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San Xavier district pedestrian access and safety study

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San Xavier District
Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
FINAL REPORT
De c emb e r 3 1 , 2 0 09
Final Report Page i December 31, 2009
Table of Contents
A. Current Conditions ................................................................................................................... 1
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background ................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Key Issues .................................................................................................................................. 1
2. Existing Conditions .................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Roadway Characteristics ............................................................................................................ 4
Roadway Type and Width .......................................................................................................... 4
Structures ................................................................................................................................... 4
Speed Limits ............................................................................................................................... 4
Right of Way .............................................................................................................................. 4
Clear Zone ................................................................................................................................. 5
Intersections ............................................................................................................................... 5
Functional Classification ............................................................................................................ 9
Traffic Volumes .......................................................................................................................... 9
2.2 Level of Service Analysis ......................................................................................................... 14
Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 14
2.3 Traffic and Pedestrian Count Data............................................................................................ 16
Pedestrian Traffic ..................................................................................................................... 16
2.4 Crash History ............................................................................................................................ 24
2.5 Transit and Bicycling ................................................................................................................ 24
Transit ...................................................................................................................................... 24
Bicycling .................................................................................................................................. 25
Trails ........................................................................................................................................ 25
2.6 Demographics ........................................................................................................................... 27
2.7 Physical, Natural, and Cultural Environments .......................................................................... 28
3. Survey ...................................................................................................................................... 32
3.1 Stakeholder Survey ................................................................................................................... 32
Bicycling .................................................................................................................................. 32
Vehicular ................................................................................................................................. 32
Pedestrian ................................................................................................................................. 32
Lighting ................................................................................................................................... 33
Other ........................................................................................................................................ 33
3.2 Comment Forms ....................................................................................................................... 34
B. Future Conditions ................................................................................................................... 35
1. Demographic Projections .......................................................................................................... 35
1.1 Socioeconomics ........................................................................................................................ 35
1.2 Activity Centers ........................................................................................................................ 35
San Xavier Mission School ...................................................................................................... 35
San Xavier Coop Farm ............................................................................................................. 35
Education and Recreation Center ............................................................................................. 36
San Xavier Health Center ......................................................................................................... 36
2. Programmed and Planned Improvements ................................................................................. 36
2.1 Roadway .................................................................................................................................. 36
San Xavier and Little Nogales Intersection Study .................................................................... 36
2.2 Bicycle and Pedestrian .............................................................................................................. 36
San Xavier Elderly/Pedestrian Safety Improvements at Mission Plaza ................................... 36
Pedestrian Bridge Project ......................................................................................................... 36
3. Roadway Projections and Condition........................................................................................ 37
Final Report Page ii December 31, 2009
3.1 Current Traffic Conditions (2009) ............................................................................................ 37
3.2 Future Traffic Projections (2014 and 2030) ............................................................................. 37
3.3 Vehicular Level of Service Analysis ........................................................................................ 41
Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 41
Future Vehicular Level of Service ............................................................................................ 42
4. Pedestrian and Bicycle .............................................................................................................. 42
4.1 Level of Service ........................................................................................................................ 42
Definitions ............................................................................................................................... 43
4.2 Analysis ................................................................................................................................... 43
Study Scenarios and Assumptions ............................................................................................ 43
Analysis Findings ..................................................................................................................... 44
C. Public Involvement ................................................................................................................. 49
1. Public Involvement Participation Summary ............................................................................. 49
2. Public Outreach Opportunities ................................................................................................. 49
2.1 Study Questionnaire.................................................................................................................. 49
2.2 Public Involvement Overview with San Xavier District Chairman .......................................... 50
2.3 Meeting With Pow Wow Committee Members ....................................................................... 50
2.3 Public Open House ................................................................................................................... 50
2.4 Additional Outreach .................................................................................................................. 51
D. Pedestrian Access Improvement Plan ................................................................................... 52
1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 52
2. Alternatives ............................................................................................................................... 52
2.1 Clear Zones ............................................................................................................................... 52
2.2 Crossings ................................................................................................................................. 53
3. Preferred Alternative ................................................................................................................ 54
3.1 Proposed Materials and Amenities ........................................................................................... 58
3.2 Lighting ................................................................................................................................... 58
3.3 Amenities ................................................................................................................................. 58
3.4 Design Standards ...................................................................................................................... 59
4. Level of Service ........................................................................................................................ 59
4.1 Definitions ............................................................................................................................... 60
4.2 Study Scenarios and Assumptions ............................................................................................ 60
4.3 Analysis Findings ..................................................................................................................... 63
5. Environmental Justice ............................................................................................................... 64
6. Public Involvement ................................................................................................................... 65
6.1 Outreach Opportunities ............................................................................................................. 65
7. Phasing ..................................................................................................................................... 66
8. Cost Estimate ............................................................................................................................ 69
9. Funding .................................................................................................................................... 70
9.1 Potential Funding Sources ........................................................................................................ 71
9.2 Strategic Implementation Recommendations ........................................................................... 72
Appendix A – Traffic and Pedestrian Count Data .....................................................................................
Appendix B – Crash Analysis Memo ........................................................................................................
Appendix C – Survey Forms .....................................................................................................................
Appendix D – BLOS and PLOS Analysis Reports With No Pedestrian Improvements ...........................
Appendix E – Level of Service Formulas for Pedestrian and Bicycle .......................................................
Appendix F – Outreach Documents ...........................................................................................................
Appendix G – Transcribed Comments ......................................................................................................
Appendix H – BLOS and PLOS Analysis Reports Based on Preferred Alternative .................................
Final Report Page iii December 31, 2009
List of Figures
Figure 1. Study Area ....................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 2. Intersection Lane Configuration Locations ..................................................................... 6
Figure 3. Intersection Lane Configurations (1 of 2) ....................................................................... 7
Figure 4. Intersection Lane Configurations (2 of 2) ....................................................................... 8
Figure 5. Functional Classification ............................................................................................... 10
Figure 6. AM/PM Traffic and Average Daily Traffic Volumes ................................................... 12
Figure 7. Sunday ADT Volume and AM/PM Traffic Volumes ................................................... 13
Figure 8. Pedestrian Count Locations ........................................................................................... 16
Figure 9. San Xavier del Bac Mission Church Pedestrian Movements ........................................ 17
Figure 10. San Xavier Road Bridge at I-19 Pedestrian Movements ............................................... 19
Figure 11. Mission Road North of San Xavier Road Pedestrian Movements ................................. 20
Figure 12. Mission School Pedestrian Observations ....................................................................... 21
Figure 13. San Xavier Recreation Center Pedestrian Observations ................................................ 23
Figure 14. Transit and Bicycle Routes ............................................................................................ 26
Figure 15. Natural Features ............................................................................................................. 30
Figure 16. 2014 Traffic Volumes .................................................................................................... 39
Figure 17. 2030 Traffic Volumes .................................................................................................... 40
Figure 18. Existing PLOS ............................................................................................................... 46
Figure 19. Existing BLOS ............................................................................................................... 46
Figure 20. 2014 PLOS ..................................................................................................................... 47
Figure 21. 2014 BLOS .................................................................................................................... 47
Figure 22. 2030 PLOS ..................................................................................................................... 48
Figure 23. 2030 BLOS .................................................................................................................... 48
Figure 24. Preferred Alternative ...................................................................................................... 56
Figure 25. Preferred Alternative Roadway Cross Sections ............................................................. 57
Figure 26. 2014 PLOS ..................................................................................................................... 61
Figure 27. 2014 BLOS .................................................................................................................... 61
Figure 28. 2030 PLOS ..................................................................................................................... 62
Figure 29. 2030 BPOS .................................................................................................................... 62
Figure 30. Phasing Plan ................................................................................................................... 68
List of Tables
Table 1 Roadway Clear Zone ....................................................................................................... 5
Table 2 Roadway Functional Classification ................................................................................. 9
Table 3 Traffic Count Volumes for AM and PM Peak Hours .................................................... 11
Table 4 Traffic Volumes ............................................................................................................. 14
Table 5 LOS Criteria for Two-Lane Class II Highways ............................................................. 14
Table 6 Level of Service ............................................................................................................. 15
Final Report Page iv December 31, 2009
Table 7 Population Projections for San Xavier District, Tucson, and Pima County .................. 35
Table 8 Years 2014 and 2030 Traffic Volumes .......................................................................... 38
Table 9 LOS Criteria for Two-Lane Class II Highways ............................................................. 41
Table 10 Vehicular Level of Service ............................................................................................ 42
Table 11 Pedestrian Level of Service (PLOS) and Bicycle Level of Service (BLOS) Levels and
Scores ............................................................................................................................ 43
Table 12 PLOS and BLOS Along Study Roadway Segments ...................................................... 44
Table 13 PLOS and BLOS Along Study Roadway Segments ...................................................... 63
Final Report Page 1 December 31, 2009
A. CURRENT CONDITIONS
1. Introduction
1.1 Background
The San Xavier District of the Tohono O’odham Nation is home to approximately 2,000 people.
Numerous others come to the District to visit the San Xavier del Bac Mission Church. The San Xavier
District Pedestrian Access and Safety Study is being prepared to improve the walking and bicycling
environment on the San Xavier District for Community members and visitors alike.
The study is being funded by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Multimodal
Planning Division’s Planning Assistance for Rural Areas (PARA) program. The PARA program
provides federal funds to non-metropolitan communities for the purpose of conducting transportation
planning studies. All Native American tribes in Arizona are eligible for funding and PARA funds may
be applied to address a broad range of planning issues related to roadway and non-motorized
transportation modes. ADOT encourages communities to focus their requests for funding on the most
critical transportation planning needs identified in their communities; hence the focus here on
pedestrians and bicyclists.
The District Community members desire to establish a system of pathways that connects residential areas
with community centers in safety and privacy. In 2006, the San Xavier District Planning Department prepared
a Pedestrian Access Concept Plan that identified a 5.5-mile network of pathways linking residential areas with
community activity centers. The Project Team, led by HDR Engineering, Inc. (HDR), will build on this first
effort to prepare a pedestrian improvement plan that prioritizes needs and links projects to specific funding
sources.
Currently, HDR is also conducting a study for a new pedestrian bridge crossing of the Santa Cruz
River. The San Xavier Loop Road Pedestrian Bridge Project is Regional Transportation Authority
funded project to “provide a multi-use pedestrian crossing structure over the Santa Cruz River adjacent
to the Interstate 19 (I-19) southbound on-ramp. The pedestrian bridge will link the Community with
the portions of the San Xavier District separated by I-19.”
This study encompasses the most densely populated region of the District, generally that area of the
District north of Campus Drive and east of Mission Road. Refer to Figure 1, Study Area.
1.2 Key Issues
Walking is an important mode of transportation in the San Xavier District. The National Center for
Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommends walking as the best type of physical
activity to control blood sugar, weight, and blood pressure and prevent heart and blood flow problems.
Local health officials estimate that over half of the more than 2,000 residents suffer from diabetes.
Additionally, U.S. Census 2000 data shows that statewide 93 percent of Arizona households own at
least one automobile; in the San Xavier District only 86 percent of households own at least one
automobile. This means that walking is the primary mode of transport for 14 percent of households –
twice the state percentage.
Children, elderly, and persons with visual impairments walk more than most other people. These are
often the most vulnerable pedestrians. Narrow roadways with no sidewalks or shoulders and frequent
Final Report Page 2 December 31, 2009
driveway openings are pedestrian hazards. The narrow two-lane bridge across the Santa Cruz River
has no room for pedestrians or bicyclists.
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines are also important to consider. Planning for and
building facilities that are universally accessible makes them more likely to be used by persons with a
wide range of abilities. Ramps that benefit people in wheelchairs also benefit people pushing strollers
or workers using wheeled trolleys.
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
Map revised August 20, 2009
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
San Xavier
Mission School
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
Inset Map Area
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier District Boundary
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 1 Study Area
Desert Diamond
Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Recreation Center
Education Center
Rancho de Martinez
San Xavier Road
Wa:k Lane
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
12th
Avenue
Ventura
Dr
Interstate 19
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
I-19 Bridge over
San Xavier Road
San Xavier Road Bridge
over Santa Cruz River
Drainage Structure
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
Final Report Page 4 December 31, 2009
2. Existing Conditions
2.1 Roadway Characteristics
Limited right of way (ROW) and narrow roadway sections present challenges for a multi-modal
system. This section identifies the roadway characteristics and identifies some of the opportunities and
constraints in developing a multi-modal system for the District.
Roadway Type and Width
San Xavier Road and Mission Road are 24 feet of asphalt, consisting of two 12-foot lanes in each
direction. Little Nogales Drive and San Xavier Road to the west of Little Nogales Drive are 22 feet of
paved asphalt consisting of two 11-foot lanes in each direction. In the community, all the major
roadways have dirt shoulders. The minor roads that lead to Community member-only areas are dirt
roads. Curb and gutter or sidewalks do not currently exist within the community. Sidewalks are
currently being constructed at the Mission and there is an asphalt path that connects the recreation and
education centers. The lack of paths in the community makes it especially difficult for persons with
disabilities to get to their destinations.
Structures
There are two bridge structures within the study area. One is the I-19 Freeway bridge over San Xavier
Road and the other is San Xavier Road over the Santa Cruz River. See Figure 1 for the bridge
locations.
Speed Limits
The speed limits are as follows:
 Mission Road is 45 mph
 San Xavier Road east of Little Nogales Drive is 35 mph
 San Xavier Road between Little Nogales Drive and Mission Road is 35 mph except near the
school where it is 15mph in the school zone
 Little Nogales Drive is 25 mph
Right of Way
Research on the ROW plans within the study area indicate that ROW is not well defined and would
require significant research to adequately ascertain ROW. The information discovered during research
for this project is summarized here:
 Mission Road and San Xavier Road are maintained by Pima County and have 60-foot
rights-of-way.
 Little Nogales Drive, Campus Drive, and other community roads are under the Tohono
O’odham Nation.
 Little Nogales Drive and Campus Drive are managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and
have 60-foot rights-of-way.
 The design team for the pedestrian bridge structure over the Santa Cruz River would like to
place the structure on the south side of the existing roadway structure as there is 50 feet of
ROW from the bridge centerline to the south, and only 40 feet of ROW from the existing
centerline of the bridge to the north.
 San Xavier Road west of the bridge over the Santa Cruz River has 40 feet of ROW on each
side of the roadway centerline.
Final Report Page 5 December 31, 2009
 San Xavier Road east of the I-19 Bridge has 40 feet of ROW on each side of the existing
centerline of the road.
Clear Zone
Clear zone is defined as an unobstructed, relatively flat area beyond the edge of the traveled way that
allows a driver to stop safely or regain control of a vehicle that leaves the traveled way. Without curb
and gutter this clear zone distance will need to be maintained between the edge of travel way and the
edge of the walkway. The distances defined below are from the American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Roadside Design Guide, and are dependant on the
Average Daily Traffic (ADT) of the roadway. Although it is recommended that the pathway is located
outside the clear zone; it is not mandatory. Table 1 lists the recommended clear zone width for
selected study area roads.
Table 1 Roadway Clear Zone
Segment From To
Speed
(mph)
Recommended Clear Zone
Width (ft)
San Xavier Rd. I-19 NB On Ramp Ventura Dr. 35 12 to 14
San Xavier Rd. I-19 SB Off Ramp I-19 NB On Ramp 35 12 to 14
San Xavier Rd. Little Nogales Dr. I-19 SB Off Ramp 35 12 to 14
San Xavier Rd. Mission Rd. Little Nogales Dr. 25 12 to 14
Mission Rd. Valencia Rd. San Xavier Rd. 45 16 to 18
Little Nogales Dr. San Xavier Rd.
(north)
San Xavier Rd.
(south)
25 12 to 14
Little Nogales Dr. Wa:k Ln. Campus Dr. 25 7 to 10
Source: AASHTO Roadside Design Guide, March 2006
Intersections
Figure 2 through Figure 4 show the intersection lane configuration and traffic control at the major
roadway intersections in the study area.
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
Map revised August 20, 2009
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
San Xavier
Mission School
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
Inset Map Area
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier District Boundary
Intersection Configuration
(refer to Figures 3 and 4 )
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 2 Intersection Lane Configuration Locations
9
8
6 7
4 5
3
2
1
#
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
Desert Diamond
Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Recreation Center
Education Center
Rancho de Martinez
San Xavier Road
Wa:k Lane
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
12th
Avenue
Ventura
Dr
Interstate 19
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
Final Report Page 7 December 31, 2009
Figure 3. Intersection Lane Configurations (1 of 2)
Final Report Page 8 December 31, 2009
Figure 4. Intersection Lane Configurations (2 of 2)
Final Report Page 9 December 31, 2009
Functional Classification
Based on ADOT’s roadway functional classification, the roadways in the study area are designated as
shown in the table below and in Figure 5. Functional classification is the process by which streets and
highways are grouped into classes, or systems, according to the character of service they are intended
to provide (Federal Highways Administration, 2009). The purpose of functional classification is to set
capital improvement and maintenance priorities.
Table 2 Roadway Functional Classification
Roadway From To
Functional
Classification
I-19 NA NA Urban Interstate
San Xavier Rd. Mission Rd. Los Reales Rd. Urban Minor Arterial
Mission Rd. Drexel Rd. San Xavier Rd. Urban Minor Arterial
Mission Rd. San Xavier Rd. Campus Dr. Urban Collector
12th Ave. alignment San Xavier Rd. Valencia Rd. Urban Collector
Los Reales Rd. Cardinal Ave. Mission Rd. Urban Collector
Los Reales Rd. Santa Clara Ave. Nogales Hwy. Urban Collector
Nogales Hwy. Valencia Rd. Hughes Access Rd. Urban Minor Arterial
Source: Tucson Urban Area Functionally Classified Roads Map, ADOT, 2008
Traffic Volumes
As part of this study, 24-hour daily traffic volumes were collected by Accept Consulting Services in
the study area on a weekday (Thursday March 19, 2009) and a weekend day (Sunday March 22,
2009). On March 19, the traffic counts were collected at seven locations and on March 22 the counts
were collected at four locations. From the data collected, it is observed that the weekday AM peak
hour occurs from 7:15 to 8:15 AM and the PM peak hour occurs from 4:45 to 5:45 PM. On the
weekend, the peak hours generally occurred between 10:30 to 11:30 AM and 12:15 to 1:15 PM.
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
Map revised August 20, 2009
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
San Xavier
Mission School
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
Inset Map Area
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier District Boundary
Functional Classification
Urban Interstate
Urban Minor Arterial
Urban Collector
Local Street
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 5 Functional Classification
Desert Diamond
Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Recreation Center
Education Center
Rancho de Martinez
San Xavier Road
Wa:k Lane
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
12th
Avenue
Ventura
Dr
Interstate 19
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
Final Report Page 11 December 31, 2009
Table 3 and Figure 6 and Figure 7 show the traffic count locations and the traffic volumes for both
Sunday and weekday daily AM and PM peak hours.
Table 3 Traffic Count Volumes for AM and PM Peak Hours
Location Day Direction
Traffic Volumes
Daily
AM Peak
Hour
PM Peak
Hour
San Xavier Rd. west of Ventura Dr. Thursday
EB 2686 395 177
WB 2654 150 417
Total 5340 545 594
San Xavier Rd. under I-19 Thursday
EB 3141 507 224
WB 1874 108 241
Total 5015 615 465
San Xavier Rd. east of Little
Nogales Dr. (on bridge) Thursday
EB 2109 247 174
WB 2326 167 275
Total 4435 414 449
San Xavier Rd. east of Mission Rd. Thursday
EB 1410 200 112
WB 1606 90 235
Total 3016 290 347
Mission Rd. north of San Xavier
Rd. Thursday
NB 2141 142 274
SB 1920 215 147
Total 4061 357 421
Little Nogales Dr. north of San
Xavier Rd. Thursday
NB 1831 137 215
SB 1604 165 147
Total 3435 302 362
Little Nogales Dr. south of Wa:k
Ln. Thursday
NB 311 52 21
SB 422 25 44
Total 733 77 65
San Xavier Rd. west of Ventura Dr. Sunday
EB 1442 95 121
WB 1295 105 110
Total 2737 200 231
San Xavier Rd. east of Little
Nogales Dr. (on bridge) Sunday
EB 1760 158 188
WB 1945 192 189
Total 3705 350 377
San Xavier Rd. east of Mission Rd. Sunday
EB 1610 182 174
WB 1740 166 204
Total 3350 348 378
Little Nogales Dr. north of San
Xavier Rd. Sunday
NB 1620 181 170
SB 1454 147 173
Total 3074 328 343
Source: Accept Consulting Services, 2009
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
N
Map revised August 20, 2009
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
Rancho de Martinez
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
Inset Map Area
SEE INSET MAP
San Xavier District Boundary
Average Daily Traffic Volume
AM Peak (PM Peak)
AM Predominant Direction of Flow
PM Predominant Direction of Flow
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 6 Average Daily Traffic Volume and AM/PM Traffic Volumes
XXX
615 (465)
Desert Diamond
Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Education Center
Recreation Center
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Interstate 19
Los Reales Road
298 (144)
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
12th
Avenue
Ventura
Dr
Wa:k Lane
357 (421)
290 (347)
302 (362) 77 (65)
414 (449)
545 (594)
76 (71)
4061
3016
3435
733
4435
5015
615 (465)
5340
850
70 (98)
1971
128 (298)
2191
298 (144)
809
San Xavier Road
Interstate 19
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
Map revised August 20, 2009
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
Rancho de Martinez
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
Inset Map Area
SEE INSET MAP
San Xavier District Boundary
Average Daily Traffic Volume
AM Peak (PM Peak)
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 7 Sunday ADT Volume and AM/PM Traffic Volumes
XXX
615 (465)
Desert Diamond
Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Education Center
Recreation Center
San Xavier Road
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Interstate 19
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
Wa:k Lane
12th
Avenue
Ventura
Dr
348 (378)
350 (377)
200 (231)
328 (343) 77 (65)
3350
3074 733
3705
2737
Final Report Page 14 December 31, 2009
The traffic volumes for the I-19 and San Xavier Road interchange were obtained from ADOT. The
counts were conducted in October 2006 and are reported in Table 4.
Table 4 Traffic Volumes
Location Direction
Traffic Volumes
Daily
AM Peak
Hour
PM Peak
Hour
I-19 Off Ramp NB 850 70 98
I-19 On Ramp NB 1971 128 300
I-19 Off Ramp SB 2191 298 144
I-19 On Ramp SB 809 76 71
San Xavier Rd. under I-19 EB/WB 4950 607 440
Source: ADOT, 2006
2.2 Level of Service Analysis
Methodology
A commonly used grading system called Level of Service (LOS) is used to measure and describe the
operations of a roadway network. The LOS grading system qualitatively characterizes traffic
conditions associated with varying levels of traffic. For a two-lane highway, these levels range from
LOS A, when the motorists are able to travel at their desired speed, to LOS F, which represents
heavily congested flow with traffic demand exceeding capacity. LOS A, B, and C are generally
considered to be satisfactory service levels, while the influence of congestion becomes more
noticeable at LOS D. LOS E is undesirable and is considered by most agencies to be the limit of
acceptable delay, and LOS F conditions are considered to be unacceptable to most drivers.
In the Transportation Research Board’s Highway Capacity Manual (HCM, 2000), two-lane highways
are further classified into Class I and Class II highways. In Class I highways motorists expect to travel
at relatively high speeds. In Class II highways motorists do not necessarily expect to travel at high
speeds. Class II highways function as access routes to Class I highways. Table 5 presents the LOS
criteria for two-lane Class II highways.
Table 5 LOS Criteria for Two-Lane Class II Highways
Level of Service Percent Time – Spent - Following
A < 40
B > 40 – 55
C > 55 – 70
D > 70 – 85
E > 85
Source: Transportation Research Board’s Highway Capacity Manual (HCM, 2000)
Existing LOS analysis for the study area roadways was conducted using the Highway Capacity
Software (HCS+) based on the Transportation Research Board’s HCM for a two–lane, Class II
highway. The study area roadways were treated as two-lane highways for analysis purposes.
Final Report Page 15 December 31, 2009
The following are additional assumptions used for conducting the analysis.
1. Peak Hour Factor = 0.92
2. Percent of Trucks, Bus and Recreational Vehicles = 2
3. Access Points per mile = 5
4. Class II Highway - (Per HCM Section 12, page 12-2)
5. Posted speed limits were used as measured speed
6. Traffic volumes were used as observed volumes
Table 6 below shows the LOS at various roadway segments in the study area. As shown in Table 6, all
the segments operate at LOS B or better.
Table 6 Level of Service
Segment From To
Directional Split Speed
(mph)
LOS
AM (%) PM (%) AM PM
San Xavier Rd. I-19 NB On Ramp Ventura Dr. 72 70 35 B B
San Xavier Rd. I-19 SB Off Ramp I-19 NB On
Ramp 82 52 35 B A
San Xavier Rd. Little Nogales Dr. I-19 SB Off
Ramp 60 61 35 A A
San Xavier Rd. Mission Rd. Little
Nogales Dr. 69 68 30* A A
Mission Rd. Valencia Rd. San Xavier
Rd. 60 65 45 A A
Little Nogales Dr. San Xavier Rd.
(north)
San Xavier
Rd. (south) 55 59 30* A A
Little Nogales Dr. Wa:k Ln. Campus Dr. 68 68 30* A A
Source: HDR, 2009
* Although the posted speed limit is 25 mph, 30 mph was used as measured speed for analysis
purposes as that is the lowest the software will calculate.
Final Report Page 16 December 31, 2009
2.3 Traffic and Pedestrian Count Data
Pedestrian Traffic
Pedestrian counts and walking pattern observations were made by HDR on Sunday April 5, 2009,
Monday April 6, 2009, and Sunday May 17, 2009. On Sunday April 5, 2009, counts and observations
were taken at the Mission Church and on Mission Road north of San Xavier Road. On Monday
April 6, 2009, counts and observations were taken at the Mission School, on Mission Road north of
San Xavier Road, on San Xavier Road near the Santa Cruz Bridge, and at San Xavier Recreation
Center. On Sunday May 17, 2009, additional counts were taken just west of the Santa Cruz Bridge on
San Xavier Road. The observations, summarized by location and the data, are included in the
Appendix A.
The locations where the pedestrian observations were made are listed here and are shown in Figure 8.
A. San Xavier del Bac Mission Church
B. San Xavier Road Bridge
C. Mission Road North of San Xavier Road
D. San Xavier Mission School
E. San Xavier Recreation Center
Figure 8. Pedestrian Count Locations
Final Report Page 17 December 31, 2009
A. Mission Church
The San Xavier Mission Church (Church) was constructed around 1692 and is still a working church,
attracting many parishioners and visitors, especially on Sundays. The Mission School (School),
located immediately west of the Church, is run by the Mission. There are several parking lots near the
Church and School premises, as shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9. San Xavier del Bac Mission Church Pedestrian Movements
Note: See next page for observations at 1, 2, and 3.
The Church has four services on Sunday beginning at 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 12:30 PM
with each service lasting an hour. The 9:30 AM service is unpublished and is primarily for the
community members. Pedestrian movements were observed at the Church before and after the services
on Sunday April 5, 2009 during the following periods:
 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM
 9:10 AM to 9:40 AM
 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM
 12:05 PM to 12:45 PM
 1:20 PM to 2:00 PM
Final Report Page 18 December 31, 2009
The following are observations at the Church. The numbered items relate to Figure 9:
1. Pedestrians walking between the southwest parking lot and the Church were crossing at the
intersection of San Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive. This was the heaviest pedestrian
movement noted during the observation period.
2. Pedestrians walking on San Xavier Road to and from the Church were observed walking on the
north side of San Xavier Road.
3. Pedestrians walking on Little Nogales Drive, south of the parking lot located east of San Xavier
Arts, Crafts and Café, were observed walking on the east side of Little Nogales Drive.
 Some of the pedestrians walking on San Xavier Road to and from the Church were coming from
Mission Road and were observed stopping at the Cemetery on San Xavier Road and then
continuing.
 San Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive are posted as 25 mph with speed humps on San Xavier
Road. The observed speed near the Church on San Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive is lower
than the posted speed limit. This is due to the speed humps and closely spaced stop-controlled
intersections as shown in Figure 9.
 Some of the non-Church vehicular traffic was observed using unpaved Community Lane and Gok
Kawulk Wog to avoid the delays on San Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive caused by Church
vehicular traffic and existing traffic control.
 The existing crosswalk markings near the School and Church on San Xavier Road and Little
Nogales Drive are in poor condition.
 Safety conflicts were observed between traffic entering and exiting the Church parking lot and
pedestrians walking between the parking lots and the Church.
 Some of the Church staff were observed parking in the parking lot between the School and
Church.
Final Report Page 19 December 31, 2009
B. San Xavier Road Bridge at I-19
The San Xavier Road bridge is located on the west side of the I-19 and San Xavier Road service traffic
interchange. Pedestrian and bicycle movements were observed on this bridge on Monday, April 06,
2009 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and Sunday, May 17, 2009 from 8:00AM to 10:30AM (Figure 10).
Figure 10. San Xavier Road Bridge at I-19 Pedestrian Movements
The following are observations on San Xavier Road bridge:
 There is no sidewalk on the bridge. Pedestrians were observed walking close to the vehicular
traffic on this narrow 26’-10” bridge, which is a safety concern.
 On Monday, April 6, 2009 all the pedestrians observed were walking westbound. Three of the
pedestrians observed at this location were joggers.
 On Sunday, May 17, 2009, the majority of the pedestrians were headed westbound and the
majority of cyclists were headed eastbound on San Xavier Road.
 On Sunday, May 17, 2009, three wild dogs were observed weaving in and out of traffic causing
the traffic to use caution.
Final Report Page 20 December 31, 2009
C. Mission Road North of San Xavier Road
Mission Road north of San Xavier Road is one of the high-volume arterial roadways in the San Xavier
District. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic along Mission Road, north of San Xavier Road, was observed
on Sunday April 5, 2009 (between 8:35 AM to 9:05 AM, 9:45 AM to 10:25 AM, and 11:15 AM to
12 PM) and Monday April 6, 2009 (from 8:00 AM to 10: 00 AM). The observation location on
Mission Road was approximately one mile north of San Xavier Road (Figure 11). The speed limit at
this location is 45 mph.
Figure 11. Mission Road North of San Xavier Road Pedestrian Movements
The following are observations on Mission Road north of San Xavier Road:
 The bicyclists traveling on this section of Mission Road were riding along with high-speed
vehicular traffic, which is a safety concern.
 Pedestrians were observed walking on the unpaved shoulder on the east side of Mission Road.
 Most of the pedestrians walking on Mission Road were observed heading to San Xavier Road. A
small number of them stopped at the Cemetery on San Xavier Road. Some of these same
pedestrians were observed at the Church.
 Bicyclists were observed traveling in a queue and were not impacting vehicular traffic.
 On Monday, during this observation period, a group of bicyclists moved abreast for some distance
and later split into smaller groups.
Final Report Page 21 December 31, 2009
D. Mission School
The Mission School is located immediately west of the Church, north of the San Xavier Road and
Little Nogales Drive intersection. The School currently serves grades K through 8. The School opens
around 6:30 AM and classes begin at 7:50 AM. Most of the school traffic (parents, staff, buses,
walkers) start arriving at school at 7:00 AM. School ends at 3:00 PM. During dismissal, children
riding school buses and walking to adjacent neighborhoods are allowed to go first, followed by the rest
of students who are picked up by their parents. There are two school bus trips to and from the School
in the morning and evening.
The pedestrian and bicycle movements were observed at this location on Monday April 06, 2009 from
7:00 AM to 8:00 AM and 2:45 PM to 3:30 PM (Figure 12). The following are observations at the
School:
Figure 12. Mission School Pedestrian Observations
Note: See next page for observations at 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Final Report Page 22 December 31, 2009
General Pedestrian Movements. The numbered items relate to Figure 12:
1. Pedestrians were walking to and from homes located southwest of the San Xavier Road and Little
Nogales Drive intersection.
2. Pedestrians walking between the southwest parking lot and School were crossing at the
intersection of San Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive.
3. Pedestrians walking between the southeast parking lot and School were crossing at the intersection
of San Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive.
4. Pedestrians were crossing San Xavier Road and then walking southbound in the ditch along the
west side of Little Nogales Drive.
School Commencing Period (7:00 AM to 8:00 AM):
 The major pedestrian movements are students walking from homes located southwest of the San
Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive intersection. All pedestrian movements observed during the
observation period were directly related to the school.
 The school bus arrived at school around 7:20 AM and dropped off the students in front of the
School in the pick-up/drop-off loop. After dropping off the students, these buses parked in the
parking lot on the west side of the Church (as shown in Figure 12).
 School staff parked in the parking lot on the east side of the school building. This parking lot had
an approximate capacity of 15 vehicles.
 The intersection of San Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive is a T-intersection with ALL-WAY
Stop control. Pedestrian and vehicular traffic conflicts were observed at this intersection. There is
no school guard at this location to assist pedestrians, which is a safety concern.
 Parents drop off their children in the pick-up/drop-off loop.
 During school bus or delivery truck drop-off at the School, a back up of three to four vehicles was
observed in the pick-up/drop-off loop and at the intersection of San Xavier Road and Little
Nogales Drive.
School Dismissal Period (2:45 PM to 3:30 PM):
 The major pedestrian movements are students walking to homes located southwest of the San
Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive intersection.
 Two students were observed crossing San Xavier Road and then walking southbound in the ditch
along the west side of Little Nogales Drive. Little Nogales Drive currently does not have
sidewalks.
 The school bus and parents arrived around 2:50 PM to pick up students. The school bus left about
3:05 PM. During this time there was a back up of three to four vehicles observed in the pick-up/
drop-off loop and at the intersection of San Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive.
 Transit bus service was observed during this period near the School.
 Parents used the parking lots located at the southwest and southeast corners of the San Xavier
Road and Little Nogales Drive intersection when the pick-up/drop-off loop in front of the School
was backed up. Parents then drove closer to the available space on San Xavier Road near to the
School to pick up their children.
 The San Xavier District Community van was observed picking up students from school and
transporting them to the Education Center on Wa:k Lane.
Final Report Page 23 December 31, 2009
E. San Xavier Recreation Center
The San Xavier Recreation Center is located on the north side of Wa:k Lane, adjacent to the San
Xavier Education Center. This facility serves all the residents of the San Xavier District Community,
including students. This center hosts various kinds of sports activities. The entire site is fenced. There
are six gates to this facility, four of which are mainly used by pedestrian traffic (Figure 13). They are:
1. The south gate providing access between
the Education Center and Recreation
Center.
2. The west gate providing access to the
residents living on the west.
3. The main entrance gate to the Recreation
Center.
4. The north gate providing access to the
residents living on the north.
Figure 13. San Xavier Recreation Center Pedestrian Observations
The pedestrian and bicycle movements to and from the Recreation Center were observed on Monday
April 06, 2009 from 3:45 PM to 6:00 PM. The following are observations at the Recreation Center:
 The major pedestrian movement observed was between the Education Center and Recreation
Center. A group of twelve students walked from the Education Center to the Recreation Center
and back during the first 15 minute observation period.
 The pedestrians walking between the Education Center and Recreation Center (on route 1 as
shown above) did not use the asphalt path, which follows the main entrance road south and then
turns east toward the education center.
 Very few pedestrians were observed using the main entrance gate during observation period.
 Parents were observed dropping off and picking up their children in the Recreation Center parking
lot during the observation period.
Final Report Page 24 December 31, 2009
2.4 Crash History
A crash analysis was performed for the study area and can be read in its entirety in Appendix B. Both
vehicular and pedestrian- or bicycle-related crashes were reviewed along the following segments:
 Mission Road from Drexel Road to Campus Drive
 Nogales Highway from Los Reales Road to Hermans Road (just south of Tucson International
 Airport)
 Valencia Road from Westover Avenue to Sandpiper Avenue
 Campus Drive from Mission Road to I-19
 San Xavier Road from Mission Road to Comobabi Street (just south of Los Reales Road)
There were 433 crashes listed between January 2004 and December 2008 of which seven (1.6 percent)
were fatal. Six of the fatal crashes occurred on Mission Road and one on San Xavier Road. Of the
seven fatal crashes, three involved alcohol. Of the 433 total crashes, 14 involved animals on or near
the road and all of these were noted as occurring on Mission Road. Three of the 433 crashes involved
a pedestrian (one) or bicycle (two). None of the three crashes resulted in death; however, two resulted
in serious injury, one of them on Mission Road.
2.5 Transit and Bicycling
Transit
Many members of the Community are transit dependent. The
Pima County Department of Transportation’s Rural Transit
Service operates a transit route serving the San Xavier District.
This service is slated to be consolidated with transit services in
Pima County under the Regional Transportation Authority.
This service provides residents of the San Xavier District with
access to Tucson employment centers, medical facilities, and
other activities and services. Rural Transit operates the San
Xavier Route Expanded Service with ten round trips during the
week and nine round trips on Saturday from the San Xavier area
to the Laos Transit Center. The fare for a one-way ride is
50cents.
For the federal fiscal year 2008/2009 (the federal government
fiscal year begins October 1 and ends September 30 of the
following calendar year), ridership was 39,487. Ridership for the
first half of the current fiscal year is tracking closely at 17,953
passengers. The Pima County Department of Transportation has
contracted with Trax Transportation to provide this service using
wheelchair accessible vans.
Sun Tran operates the public transit bus line, Valencia Route 29,
every thirty minutes during peak hours east and westbound
along Valencia Road at the northern edge of the Community,
with stops at the Laos Transit Center with connections to the San
Xavier Route. Figure 14 shows the existing transit routes and
Pima County Department of Transportation’s
Rural Transit Service operates the San Xavier
Route Expanded Service, Monday through
Saturday.
Final Report Page 25 December 31, 2009
bikeways improvements in the study area.
Bicycling
During the pedestrian observations, bicyclists were only observed traveling along Mission Road.
Mission Road is a popular route among recreational riders originating in Tucson. In its current state,
the roadway does not provide a suitable bicycle environment due to the narrow roadway width and
lack of roadway shoulders. The bicyclists observed during the pedestrian counts on Mission Road
were observed traveling in the roadway lane with traffic. There are no County planned improvements
along Mission Road as of the latest Tucson Metro Bike Map, prepared by Pima Association of
Governments, which was issued September 2009.
Trails
Pima County has trails along the Santa Cruz River and West Branch of the Santa Cruz that stop at the
Community border on the north and south. There is proposed greenway (path and trail) that follows
the Community’s western border from the north, near Westover Avenue, then turns west along the
pipeline easement, just north of Los Reales Road, as a trail.
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
Map revised November 16, 2009
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
San Xavier
Mission School
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
Inset Map Area
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier District Boundary
Pima County Trail
County Bike Route With Striped Shoulder
Transit Routes
San Xavier Access Route
Valencia
Midvale Park
S. 12th Avenue
AeroPark Speedway Express
AeroPark Ina Express
Bus Stop
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 14 Transit and Bicycle Routes Map
Desert Diamond
Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Recreation Center
Education Center
Rancho de Martinez
San Xavier Road
Wa:k Lane
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
12th
Avenue
Ventura
Dr
Interstate 19
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
Final Report Page 27 December 31, 2009
2.6 Demographics
Approximately 18,000 of the tribe's 28,000 members live on the main section of the Tohono O'odham
reservation. The San Xavier District 2000 Census population was 1,940. According to the Tohono
O’odham Web site, the total enrollment for the San Xavier school district as of fall 2007 is 2,027
(1,249 on Reservation and 778 off Reservation).
The population of the Tohono O’odham Nation is younger than that of the state as a whole. The
median age of the Tohono O’odham people is 26.2, compared with 34.2 for Arizona. Much of the
population is young with 38 percent of the population under 18 years of age – 40 percent greater than
the percentage of all Arizonans under the age of 18. This is important information because age helps
dictate transportation mode choice and walking rates are drastically higher for younger age groups
than older ones. The 5–15 year old age group has almost twice the percentage of walking trips as the
40–64 year old age group (Pucher and Renne, 20031).
Poverty is a major concern of the Tohono O’odham Nation with the median per capita income of
$7,000 (less than a third of the national per capita income of $22,000), the lowest of all U.S.
reservations, per the 2000 Census. The percentage of the Nation population in poverty is 46 percent,
three times that of the overall state poverty level of 14 percent. The poverty levels in the San Xavier
District are much lower at 25 percent, but still markedly above the state level.
Whether related to poverty or not, the percentage of Tohono O’odham households without a motor
vehicle available is 30 percent, more than four times that of Arizona overall. While the percentage of
households without a motor vehicle available in the San Xavier district is half this rate at 14 percent,
this is twice the percentage of households in Arizona without access to a motor vehicle.
Lack of households’ access to a vehicle may be one reason the San Xavier District has such a high
percentage of members who walk to work, 11 percent, almost four times the state rate.
The San Xavier District has one of the highest levels of owner-occupied housing in the state, with
91 percent of the occupied housing units being owner-occupied. The majority of housing is located
within a two-mile radius of the District offices and the Mission San Xavier del Bac. This proximity to
work and activity centers likely contributes to the high percentage of members who walk to work.
One reason that the need for a pedestrian and bicycle plan for the San Xavier District is great is the
Tohono O'odham people have the highest rate of Type II (adult-onset) diabetes among Native American
tribes. About 50 percent of the tribe's adults have adult-onset diabetes, compared with 4 to 6 percent of
the overall U.S. population. A study by the Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh,
published in the Oct. 1, 2003 American Journal of Epidemiology2, discovered that walking for
30 minutes a day cut diabetes risks for overweight as well as non-overweight men and women.
Additionally, providing for safer pedestrian routes serves the needs of youth and the elderly. Safe
pedestrian routes from housing to activity centers allows seniors to remain in their homes while
maintaining social interaction, health, safety, and a good quality of life. Improving the Community’s
walking routes allows more youth access to the Recreation Center where Community members can
engage in activities such as fitness and nutrition classes, after-school recreation, and team sports.
________________________
1 Pucher, J. and Renne, J. (2003). Socioeconomics of Urban Travel: Evidence from the 2001 NHTS.
Transportation Quarterly, Vol. 57, No. 3, Summer 2003 (49–77).
2 Andrea M. Kriska, Aramesh Saremi, Robert L. Hanson, Peter H. Bennett, Sayuko Kobes, Desmond E.
Williams, and William C. Knowler."Physical Activity, Obesity, and the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in a High-
Risk Population." American Journal of Epidemiology. 2003 158: 669-675.
Final Report Page 28 December 31, 2009
2.7 Physical, Natural, and Cultural Environments
Map depicting the Tohono O’odham Nation. The San Xavier district is the most easterly,
located ten miles south of Tucson. Source: http://www.tonation-nsn.gov/location.aspx
Final Report Page 29 December 31, 2009
The San Xavier District is a Tohono O’odham Nation community centered on the historic San Xavier
del Bac Mission, which was founded in 1699 by Jesuit missionary Father Eusebio Francisco Kino. It is
known as the “place where water appears,” because the Santa Cruz River surfaces from its
underground channel nearby. The historic San Xavier del Bac Mission is a famous Arizona landmark.
Visitors from around the world come to see “The White Dove of the Desert.”
The Tohono O'odham Nation is located southwest of Tucson, AZ in the Sonoran Desert. The Nation
encompasses nearly 4,600 square miles (larger than the state of Connecticut), the second-largest Indian
reservation area in the United States (after the Navajo).
The San Xavier District is located approximately ten miles south of Tucson and contains nearly
72,000 acres of Sonoran desert, including a stretch of the ephemeral Santa Cruz River (refer to
Figure 15). In addition, there are many smaller washes crossing the community that connect into the
Santa Cruz River.
This area is the traditional homeland of the Tohono O’odham (Desert People); their ancestors, the
Hohokam, lived here over 10,000 years ago. The Community is also known as Wa:k, and its people, as
the Wa:k O’odham.
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
Map revised August 20, 2009
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
San Xavier
Mission School
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
Inset Map Area
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier District Boundary
Washes
Bank Stabilization
Elevation (feet)
2450 - 2500
2501 - 2650
2651 - 2850
2851 - 3000
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 15 Natural Features
Punta de
AguaWash
Martinez Hill
(elev 2,854 ft)
Hughes Wash
Desert Diamond
Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Recreation Center
Education Center
Rancho de Martinez
San Xavier Road
Wa:k Lane
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
12th
Avenue
Ventura
Dr
Interstate 19
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
Final Report Page 31 December 31, 2009
The Sonoran Desert, surrounding the Gulf of California in
the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico,
covers some 320,000 square kilometers. It includes a part
of the state of Arizona and a small portion of California in
the United States, and western Sonora and the southern
two-thirds of the peninsula of Baja California in Mexico.
Historically, the Tohono O’odham people inhabited much
of this area, referred to as the Papagueria3.
Climatic conditions range from extremely arid, with a
rainfall of less than three inches, to the boundary between
arid and semi-arid, in the vicinity of fifteen inches of
rainfall a year. The San Xavier District on average receives
about twelve inches annually.
The Sonoran Desert is one of the most diverse environments
and includes 60 mammal species, 350 bird species, 20
amphibian species, 100+ reptile species, 30 native fish
species, and more than 2000 native plant species.
The Sonoran is the only place in the world where the
famous saguaro cactus grows in the wild. The Saguaro
produces a fruit at the top of the cactus that is harvested in
the spring by the Tohono O’odham. The fruit is harvested
when it is ripe, typically starting in late June, for the
Nawait I'i (Rain Ceremony) that occurs during the
monsoon season. The Tohono O’odham make saguaro
wine, jams, and jellies out of the fruit and have a rain feast
in honor of the coming monsoon4. Cholla, beavertail,
hedgehog, fishhook, prickly pear, night blooming cereus,
and organ pipe are other species of cactus found here.
Cactus provide food and homes to many desert mammals
and birds, with showy flowers in reds, pinks, yellows, and
whites blooming most commonly from late March through
June, depending on the species and seasonal temperatures.
Creosote bush and bur sage dominate valley floors. Indigo
bush, Mormon tea, and mesquite are other shrubs that may
be found. In addition to historically farming the arid lands
with the use of elaborate canals, the Tohono O’odham
continue to harvest the bean pods of the mesquite tree.
Wildflowers include desert sand verbena, desert sunflower,
and evening primroses.
________________________
3 Official Web Site of the Executive Branch of the Tohono O'odham Nation. “History and Culture”. Accessed
March 20, 2009 <2009 <http://www.tonation-nsn.gov/history_culture.aspx>.
4 Arizona State Museum; The University of Arizona. “Saguaro Harvest Traditions of the Tohono O’odham”.
Accessed March 20, 2009 <http://www.statemuseum.arizona.edu/exhibits/saguaro/index.shtml>
Images from the desert, top to bottom: the desert
landscape of the San Xavier District, saguaro
cactus in bloom, creosote bush.
Final Report Page 32 December 31, 2009
Ascending from the valley up bajadas, various subtrees such as palo verde, ironwood, desert willow,
and crucifixion thorn are common, as well as multi-stemmed ocotillo. Shrubs found at higher
elevations include whitethorn acacia, fairy duster, and jojoba. (Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonoran_Desert. Accessed March 3, 2009).
Wa:k Hikdañ Site
On the San Xavier District outside Tucson, the Tohono O’odham Community restored a section of the
Santa Cruz River by recreating a wetland near the river channel and planting mesquite, hackberry, and
desert willow on the higher flood terrace. During the design of the project, tribal elders were consulted
to gain insight into what the area looked like during their youth.
Completed in 2003, the Wa:k Hikdañ site on the San Xavier District was the first to use Central
Arizona Project (CAP) water in the Tucson basin for riparian restoration. In following years as much
as 50,000 acre-feet of CAP water was put to restoration use on the Reservation.
Source: http://cals.arizona.edu/azwater/awr/marapr08/feature1.html
3. Survey
3.1 Stakeholder Survey
As part of the initial data collection, interviews were conducted with people representing various
aspects of the community life; the Mission church and school, health services, gaming enterprise,
planning commissioners, cooperative farm, and the Recreation Center. All were appreciative of the
effort to improve the pedestrian and bicycle experience within the Community and offered comments
and observations to assist in that endeavor. The notes for the interviews may be found in the
Appendix C. The most salient points are summarized here.
Bicycling
 There are no bicycle facilities (racks) at the Church (sometimes bicycles are locked on the rail
leading up to church, may also be parked immediately in front of church).
 Hordes of bicyclists ride on Mission Road – often several abreast impeding traffic.
Vehicular
 Get people to obey stop signs; traffic is speeding through the reservation on the way elsewhere.
People apparently speed through as shortcut instead of going across on Valencia (especially in
the morning and late afternoon); people are cutting across Community Lane to avoid stop signs
in front of Mission.
Pedestrian
 Typically on Saturday and Sundays, people partake in “pilgrimages” from south Tucson on
foot. They are coming from both directions (Mission Road and San Xavier Road).
 There is a lack of crosswalks and no clearly marked crosswalks.
 Dedicated pedestrian routes “would be good”. People are forced to walk on road, sometimes
walking two or three abreast (in street where there are trees on shoulder, too narrow, or too
steep).
 People often walk from bus route (trailer park) to clinic, rather than ride bus long way around.
Final Report Page 33 December 31, 2009
 The master plan for the Cooperative Farm envisions a walkway from the Santa Cruz River with
tree lined path.
 Dedicated walking path traveling from the community to the Recreation Center would be
beneficial.
 Sidewalks would be nice; there are currently no dedicated pedestrian routes (to the school).
 The distance to the Recreation Center from the school is approximately 1 mile, while the
younger students are discourage from walking, some of the older students do (the bus does
make a stop there and the Education Center).
 The Santa Cruz River crossing should be on north side – crossing as planned on south side will
require pedestrians to cross San Xavier two times (this issue has been raised at the Planning
Commission on March 4, 2009).
Lighting
 Lighting in the Community is inadequate.
 Lighting along pedestrian routes would be helpful.
 Lighting is an issue throughout the Community. This was an issue in Sells where they recently
completed a 10 year lighting plan. In Sells they were experiencing a large number of pedestrian
accidents (people crossing State Route 86). The Indian Health Center and Tohono O’odham
addressed the problem with lighting and there have been no pedestrian accidents since.
 Darkness is part of what makes the community unique.
Other
 There are existing signs asking visitors to “stay on paved roads”, discouraging them from
walking into living area.
 There are issues with wash crossings during rain events (especially standing water at
San Xavier Road) .
 Community dogs create problems, strays can be found roaming around.
 Road work needed on San Xavier adjacent to the Cooperative Farm - low spot ponds (100’)
takes long time to evaporate.
 Headquarters of the Cooperative Farm is fenced - actually moved fence back ten feet to allow
room for pedestrians to pass without being forced into road - doesn’t help bicyclists.
 Speed bumps in front of Recreation Center have been effective in mitigating traffic impacts.
 There are several projects underway now (notably the sidewalks at the Mission and drainage on
the south side of the street) that will disrupt and potentially impact the pattern of school drop-offs/
pick-ups.
Final Report Page 34 December 31, 2009
3.2 Comment Forms
This is a summary of the questionnaire that was distributed to Community members and made
available at various locations. In addition, Community members that approached the team member
conducting the pedestrian counts (April 5 and 6) and expressed an interest in the study were asked to
complete a questionnaire. A total of eight questionnaires were completed.
1. Do you or anyone in your household walk to and from your home and
a. San Xavier del Bac Mission – 5
b. San Xavier Mission School – 4
c. San Xavier District Offices – 4
d. Recreation Center and/or Education Center – 6
e. Indian Health Center – 4
f. Desert Diamond Casino on Nogales Highway – 2
2. If yes, how often:
a. Daily – 3
b. Weekly – 1
c. several times a month – 4
3. Do you feel safe walking in your community?
a. Yes – 4
b. No – 4
If No, please explain unsafe locations:
- Santa Cruz Bridge
- the road is too narrow, we have to walk on the side (dirt)
- along Mission Road
- vehicles drive too fast
- no walkways or pathways
4. Does anyone in your household ride a bicycle within the community?
a. Yes – 4
b. No – 4
Other Comments:
- I think there should be a walking path on the side of the pavement road
- Widen road and add bike lanes and sidewalks for pedestrians and bicyclists
- (make it) safe for everyone
- Bike trails, scenic walk areas away from roads
- Running trails and bike trails off road
Final Report Page 35 December 31, 2009
B. FUTURE CONDITIONS
1. Demographic Projections
1.1 Socioeconomics
The Pima Association of Governments (PAG) is the metropolitan planning organization for Pima
County jurisdictions as well as the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and Tohono O’odham Nation. PAG has
developed population projections for Tucson and Pima County. Using these projections, and estimates
of the population of the San Xavier District of the Tohono O’odham Nation, the following projections
are provided. For the purposes of this study (study area shown in Figure 1), population growth for the
San Xavier District is projected to be comparable to the City of Tucson, with approximately
1.5 percent compounded annual growth through the 2030 planning horizon.
Table 7 Population Projections for San Xavier District, Tucson, and Pima County
Year San Xavier District Tucson Pima County
2008 2,050 543,959 1,014,023
2014 2,229 591,382 1,132,783
2020 2,455 651,553 1,283,210
2030 2,816 747,237 1,522,420
Limited information is available regarding development plans within the District. Discussions with the
technical advisory committee indicate there is a proposed commercial development, located on the
northern edge of the District at the intersection of Mission and Drexel roads. The development,
proposed for the 160 acres straddling Mission Road, would include retail and office development. The
consultant for the development has not resubmitted site plans to the Community for review as of the
date of this report. Therefore, no detailed information is available to incorporate into this Plan.
1.2 Activity Centers
Activity centers that could potentially generate pedestrian activity and bicycle trips were identified. In
addition, pedestrian observations and counts were done at several locations (refer to Section A Current
Conditions). Observations revealed that the pedestrian and bicycle activity was greatest on Sundays at
the San Xavier del Bac Mission Church, coinciding with the religious services.
The following summarizes the anticipated changes, if any, at several of these locations.
San Xavier Mission School
The current enrollment of the San Xavier Mission School is approximately 150 students. The school is
anticipating that their enrollment will not exceed 200 students in the future.
San Xavier Coop Farm
The San Xavier Coop Farm has plans for future development that include improvements along
San Xavier Road that would result in a much improved pedestrian environment. Plans envision
planting fruit trees and a developed pathway along the northern edge of San Xavier Road.
Employment at the Coop Farm, currently under 30, is not anticipated at this time to change
significantly in the future.
Final Report Page 36 December 31, 2009
Education and Recreation Center
With increases in the Community population over the coming years, it anticipated that the Education
and Recreation Center will become busier, and that a greater number of Community members will be
accessing these sites. At this time, there are no known expansion plans for the centers.
San Xavier Health Center
The interviews with stakeholders associated with the San Xavier Health Center conducted during the
Existing Conditions portion of this study stated there is little pedestrian or bicycle traffic to the Center
at this time. Future pedestrian and bicycle system improvements may reveal there is latent demand for
these non-motorized routes.
2. Programmed and Planned Improvements
There are several projects in the area that are underway or planned. The PAG 2010-2014
Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) notes the projects below. The TIP is a federally mandated,
five-year capital improvement program for transportation projects throughout the region.
2.1 Roadway
San Xavier and Little Nogales Intersection Study
This intersection is along one of only two routes from off-reservation to the San Xavier del Bac
Mission. This intersection floods almost every year during heavy storms. In order to build other
improvements at the intersection, the flooding needs to be resolved. In January 2009, the Pima
Association of Governments approved an amendment to the 2009-2013 TIP, which included $50,000
to conduct engineering and drainage studies.
2.2 Bicycle and Pedestrian
San Xavier Elderly/Pedestrian Safety Improvements at Mission Plaza
Visitors and community members were concerned about access to the Mission, especially for elderly
and disabled individuals. To respond to these concerns, sidewalks and curb improvements are
currently underway. Sidewalks encircle and cross the plaza area, providing alternative, accessible
routes for visitors and church members to access the Mission entrance. An additional improvement is a
new gateway sign at the north end of Little Nogales Drive where it enters the plaza. These
improvements are an important component of pedestrian movement in the Mission area.
Pedestrian Bridge Project
The San Xavier Loop Road Pedestrian Bridge Project will provide a pedestrian crossing structure over
the Santa Cruz River adjacent to the I-19 southbound on-ramp bridge. This project is one component
of the District’s Master Plan to create a pedestrian pathway connecting current and future social,
historical, and recreational areas of the community. HDR prepared a Project Assessment report for this
project in April 2009.
The proposed pedestrian bridge structure is parallel to, but far enough away from, the existing
vehicular bridge to accommodate future widening or replacement of the existing vehicular bridge. The
recommendation of the Project Assessment report is to place the new pedestrian bridge structure on
the south side of the existing Santa Cruz River bridge. The typical section for the pedestrian bridge
will have a 12-foot clear walkway.
Placing the new pedestrian structure on the south side of the existing bridge reduces the potential
conflicts with existing site conditions. An important advantage to a south side alignment is the wider
Final Report Page 37 December 31, 2009
ROW will allow the structure to be placed as far as possible from the existing bridge and minimize
impacts to the existing substructure and project costs.
One conflict with the bridge being located on the south side would be the need for pedestrians to cross
the southbound I-19 on-ramp, which is located approximately 60 feet from the end of the proposed
bridge. The average daily traffic count reported during the current study was 800. The visibility is
good for pedestrians at the on-ramp to allow for a safe crossing. There is existing guardrail on both
shoulders of the on-ramp and a break in the guardrail would be designed to allow pedestrians to cross
the ramp safely.
The recommended alternative is a prefabricated steel truss bridge at a cost of $1,998,000. Funding for
this project has been identified in the Pima Association of Governments 5-Year Regional
Transportation Improvement Program. The project will be funded from the Federal Surface
Transportation Program (STP) in Fiscal Year 2012 and is currently programmed for $1,500,000.
This bridge is critical to overall safer pedestrian and bicycle movement across the Santa Cruz River. It
will provide much needed access between the community facilities on the west side of the river and
the east side.
3. Roadway Projections and Condition
Current traffic counts were collected by the HDR team and reported in Section A Current Conditions.
Projected traffic volumes are from PAG and the projected population counts are noted in Section 1.
Demographic Projections.
3.1 Current Traffic Conditions (2009)
Current traffic volumes were discussed in Section A Current Conditions. In summary, traffic volumes
range from a high of 5,340 trips a day on San Xavier Road (east and west bound combined), from
Ventura Drive to I-19, to a low of 733 on Little Nogales Drive, south of Wa:k Lane (north and south
bound combined).
3.2 Future Traffic Projections (2014 and 2030)
Future year 2010-2014 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Projected Traffic Volumes and
2030 Regional Long Range Transportation Planning (RTP) Projected Traffic Volumes were obtained
using the regional travel demand model developed by PAG, last updated on April 16, 20095. PAG
maintains a regional travel demand model to support and promote the best possible forecasting of
future travel for the region. This model has been calibrated and validated using available traffic counts,
national average modeling parameters, census and household survey data, and other available
transportation data for the PAG region.
 Future year 2010-2014 TIP Projected Traffic Volumes are generated based on 2014 regional
population/employment projections and the roadway/transit improvements adopted in the
2010-14 TIP.
 Future year 2030 RTP Projected Traffic Volumes are generated based regional population/
employment projections and the roadway/transit improvements adopted in 2030 RTP.
The model provided daily, two-hour morning (AM Peak, 6:30-8:30 AM) and two-hour afternoon
(PM Peak, 4:00-6:00 PM) peak traffic volume estimates along study roadway segments. The following
________________________
5 Projections were not done for 2020 as there is a decrease in traffic volume from 2014-2030 due to regional
growth and planned roadway/transit improvement along the some of the reported roadway segments.
Final Report Page 38 December 31, 2009
table shows the future year traffic volumes for daily, AM, and PM peak hours. Figures 16 and 17
illustrate the traffic count locations along with the traffic volumes.
Table 8 Years 2014 and 2030 Traffic Volumes
Segment From To
Daily Volumes AM Peak PM Peak
2010-
2014 2030
2010-
2014 2030
2010-
2014 2030
San Xavier Rd I-19 NB On Ramp Ventura Dr 15,000 15,100 1,050 1,550 1,300 1,450
San Xavier Rd I-19 SB Off Ramp I-19 NB On Ramp 13,400 13,300* 1,100 1,000* 1,200 1,400
San Xavier Rd Little Nogales Dr I-19 SB Off Ramp 14,300 14,800 1,100 1,000* 1,450 1,700
San Xavier Rd Mission Rd Little Nogales Dr 10,500 9.800* 900 800* 1,250 900*
Mission Rd Valencia Rd San Xavier Rd 8,800 9,500 700 950 950 1,100
Little Nogales Dr San Xavier Rd (N) San Xavier Rd (S) 13,400 10,300* 1,100 800* 1,450 950*
Note: Volumes were obtained by equally dividing the PAG two-hour peak period volumes
 A decrease in 2030 projected volumes was observed compared to 2014 projected volumes. This could be due to regional growth in
conjunctions with roadway/transit improvements planned in vicinity of the San Xavier Study Area.
Source: Pima Association of Governments (PAG) Regional Travel Demand Model, April 2009
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
N
Rev. August 20, 2009
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
Rancho de Martinez
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
Inset Map Area
SEE INSET MAP
San Xavier District Boundary
Average Daily Traffic Volume
AM Peak (PM Peak)
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 16 2014 Future Traffic Volume
XXX
)564( 516
Desert Diamond
Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Education Center
Recreation Center
Little Nogales Drive
evirD supmaC
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Interstate 19
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
dR reivaX naS
12th
Avenue
Ventura
Dr
Wa:k Lane
700 (950)
1100 (1450)1100 (1450)
1050 (1300)
150 (650)
8800
13400
00501
13400
13400
1100 (1200)
13900
0015
)053( 007
5800
450 (450)
3800
200 (400)
4600
San Xavier Road
Interstate 19
900 (1250)
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
N
Rev. August 20, 2009
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
Rancho de Martinez
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
Inset Map Area
SEE INSET MAP
San Xavier District Boundary
Average Daily Traffic Volume
AM Peak (PM Peak)
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 17 2030 Future Traffic Volume
XXX
)564( 516
Desert Diamond
Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Education Center
Recreation Center
Little Nogales Drive
evirD supmaC
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Interstate 19
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
dR reivaX naS
12th
Avenue
Ventura
Dr
Wa:k Lane
950 (1100)
800 (950)1000 (1250)
1250 (1600)
200 (850)
9500
10300
0089
13900
13300
1000 (1400)
13800
0084
)003( 007
4800
450 (300)
4400
200 (350)
5200
San Xavier Road
Interstate 19
800 (900)
Final Report Page 41 December 31, 2009
In summary, the traffic volumes within the San Xavier District are anticipated to double over the next
20 years. Without pedestrian improvements to the roadways, the walking environment will become
increasingly inhospitable.
3.3 Vehicular Level of Service Analysis
Methodology
LOS is used to measure and describe the operations of a roadway network. The LOS grading system
qualitatively characterizes traffic conditions associated with varying levels of traffic. For a two-lane
highway, these levels range from LOS A, when the motorists are able to travel at their desired speed,
to LOS F, which represents heavily congested flow with traffic volume exceeding capacity. LOS A, B,
and C are generally considered to be satisfactory service levels, while the influence of congestion
becomes more noticeable at LOS D. LOS E is undesirable and is considered by most agencies to be
the limit of acceptable delay, and LOS F conditions are considered to be unacceptable to most drivers.
In the Transportation Research Board’s Highway Capacity Manual (HCM, 2000), two-lane highways
are further classified into Class I and Class II highways. In Class I highways, motorists expect to travel
at relatively high speeds; whereas, in Class II highways, motorists do not necessarily expect to travel
at high speeds. Class II highways function as access routes to Class I highways. The study roadways
were treated as two-lane Class II highways for analysis purposes. Table 9 presents the LOS criteria for
two-lane Class II highways.
Table 9 LOS Criteria for Two-Lane Class II Highways
Level of Service Percent Time – Spent - Following
A < 40
B > 40 – 55
C > 55 – 70
D > 70 – 85
E > 85
Source: Transportation Research Board’s Highway Capacity Manual (HCM, 2000)
Future year traffic LOS analysis for the study roadways was conducted using the Highway Capacity
Software (HCS+) based on Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) for a two-lane Class II highway.
The following are some of the additional assumptions used for conducting the analysis.
1. Peak Hour Factor = 0.92
2. Percent of Trucks, Bus and Recreational Vehicles = 2
3. Access Points per mile = 5
4. Class II Highway - (per HCM Section 12, page 12-2)
5. Posted Speed limits were used as measured speed
6. Traffic volumes were used as observed volumes
Final Report Page 42 December 31, 2009
Future Vehicular Level of Service
Roadway segment LOS analysis for future year 2014 and 2030 AM and PM peak periods was
conducted using the PAG model estimates. AM and PM peak hourly traffic volumes were derived by
splitting the two-hour model volumes equally. No further adjustment on the peak hour model volumes
was conducted. As there are no planned roadway capacity improvements along study roadway
segments, the existing roadway conditions and traffic control were used for future year analysis. The
table below shows the LOS at various segments in the study area. As shown in Table 10, the study
roadway segments would operate at an LOS D or better under years 2014 and 2030 conditions.
Table 10 Vehicular Level of Service
Segment From To
Speed
(mph)
2014 LOS 2030 LOS
AM PM AM PM
San Xavier Rd. I-19 NB On Ramp Ventura Dr 35 C D D D
San Xavier Rd I-19 SB Off Ramp I-19 NB On Ramp 35 C C C D
San Xavier Rd Little Nogales Dr I-19 SB Off Ramp 35 C D C D
San Xavier Rd Mission Rd Little Nogales Dr 30* C C B C
Mission Rd Valencia Rd San Xavier Rd 45 B C C C
Little Nogales Dr San Xavier Rd (N) San Xavier Rd (S) 30* C D B C
Note: Volumes were obtained by equally dividing the PAG two-hour Peak period volumes
* Although the posted speed limit is 25 mph, 30 mph was used as measured speed for analysis purposes due to the limitations of the
software.
Source: Pima Association of Governments (PAG) Regional Travel Demand Model, April 2009
4. Pedestrian and Bicycle
4.1 Level of Service
Pedestrian and bicycle LOS were calculated along major roadways within the study area for years
2009, 2014, and 2030. The LOS discussed on the following pages do not reflect any changes to the
pedestrian/bicycle environment. When the preferred alternative is developed, future pedestrian and
bicycle LOS will be evaluated based on the proposed improvements. The methodology employed in
this report is that used by the League of Illinois Bicyclists. The source of that methodology was two
reports prepared by Bruce Landis et al. of Sprinkle Consulting for the Transportation Research Board
in 1997 and 2001. The pedestrian and bicycle LOS (PLOS and BLOS, respectively) measures
developed by Landis et al. are emerging national standards for quantifying the friendliness of a
roadway. While other “level of service” indices relate to traffic capacity, the BLOS measures indicate
bicyclist comfort level for specific roadway geometries and traffic conditions; similarly, PLOS
measures the walking conditions.
PLOS and BLOS evaluation is useful in several ways; some are listed below:
1. Identify the most appropriate routes for inclusion in the community bicycle/pedestrian
network.
2. Determine “weak links” in the network and prioritize needed site improvements.
3. Evaluate alternate treatments for improving pedestrian and bicycle friendliness of a roadway.
4. Include PLOS and BLOS in road selection formulas to encourage implementation of
pedestrian and bicycle planning goals.
5. Tie these performance measures to goals and policies for all road projects. Policies can range
from simply reporting pedestrian/bicycle impacts up to target LOS levels.
Final Report Page 43 December 31, 2009
Definitions
Bicycle Level of Service
BLOS is a qualitative/quantitative measurement indicating the comfort level of a bicyclist relative to
the specific roadway and traffic conditions. The BLOS measures on-road bicycling conditions, not
separate trails, and midblock cross-sections rather than intersections. BLOS is also not applicable for
sidewalks and side paths - paths parallel to and separated from the roadway. Roadways with a better
(lower) score are more attractive (and usually safer) for cyclists.
BLOS is a function of set of parameters that affect the comfort and safety level of bicyclist. They are:
1. Motorized traffic, which constitute traffic volume, speed, percentage of trucks, and percentage
of occupied parking;
2. Roadway elements, which include number of lanes, pavement condition, width of outside
lane, and width of extra pavement (shoulder/parking/bike lanes).
Pedestrian Level of Service
PLOS measure the walker’s perception of comfort and safety. PLOS is measured at mid-block
crossings, including any sidewalks and buffers, but not at intersections. Table 11 describes the PLOS
levels and scores for measurement.
PLOS is a function of a set of parameters that affect the comfort and safety level of pedestrians. They
are:
1. Motorized traffic volume, speed, and percentage of occupied parking;
2. Roadway elements, which include number of lanes, width of outside lane, and width of extra
pavement (shoulder/parking/bike lanes);
3. Sidewalk, which includes width of sidewalk, buffer width, and type (e.g., tree spacing).
Table 11 illustrates the thresholds for both BLOS and PLOS levels.
Table 11 Pedestrian Level of Service (PLOS) and Bicycle Level of Service (BLOS)
Levels and Scores
Level of Service PLOS and BLOS Score Compatibility Level
A ≤ 1.5 Extremely High
B > 1.5 and ≤ 2.5 Very High
C > 2.5 and ≤ 3.5 Moderately High
D > 3.5 and ≤ 4.5 Moderately Low
E > 4.5 and ≤ 5.5 Very Low
F > 5.5 Extremely Low
4.2 Analysis
Study Scenarios and Assumptions
The analysis was conducted along the major roadway segments in the San Xavier District study area.
The scenarios are all based upon the existing roadway conditions, speed limits, and existing traffic
control along the roadway segments. The following are the study scenarios:
Existing 2009: The BLOS and PLOS was conducted using the existing traffic volumes
collected on March 19, 2009
Final Report Page 44 December 31, 2009
Future 2014: The BLOS and PLOS were conducted using the PAG model future year 2014
traffic projections
Future 2030: The BLOS and PLOS were conducted using the PAG model future year 2030
traffic projections
Following are some additional assumptions used for conducting the analysis.
 Width of outside lane, to outside stripe = 12 feet
 Percentage of heavy vehicles = 2 percent
 The Federal Highway Administrations’ (FHWA) pavement condition rating = 4 (where
Default is 4-Good, 5-Best and 1-Worst)
Analysis Findings
Existing 2009
 The study roadway segments operate at BLOS D or better.
 The study roadway segments operate at PLOS D or better.
Future 2014
 The study roadway segments will operate at BLOS D.
 The study roadway segments will operate at PLOS E6, while San Xavier Road between
Mission Road and Little Nogales Drive will operate at PLOS D.
Future 2030
 The study roadway segments will operate at BLOS D.
 San Xavier Road between Little Nogales Drive and Ventura Drive, and Mission Road between
Valencia Road and San Xavier Road will operate at PLOS E7, while,
 San Xavier Road between Mission Road and Little Nogales Drive, where the speed limit is
25 mph, will operate at PLOS D or better.
Table 12 shows the BLOS and PLOS at various segments in the study area. The BLOS and PLOS
analysis reports with input variables and the output results are included in the Appendix D.
Appendix E summarizes the formulas developed by Bruce Landis et al. for the League of Illinois
Bicyclists for calculating BLOS and PLOS.
Table 12 PLOS and BLOS Along Study Roadway Segments
Segment From To
Speed
(mph)
Existing 2009 2014 2030
Traffic
Volume BLOS PLOS
Traffic
Volume BLOS PLOS
Traffic
Volume BLOS PLOS
San Xavier Rd I-19 NB On
Ramp Ventura Dr 35 5,340 D D 15,000 D E 15,100 D E
San Xavier Rd I-19 SB Off
Ramp
I-19 NB On
Ramp 35 5,015 D D 13,400 D E 13,300* D E
San Xavier Rd Little
Nogales Dr
I-19 SB Off
Ramp 35 4,435 D D 14,300 D E 14,800 D E
San Xavier Rd Mission Rd Little
Nogales Dr 25 3,016 C D 10,500 D D 9,800* D D
________________________
6 Based on 2014 PAG projected traffic volumes with existing roadway and traffic control conditions.
7 Based on 2030 PAG projected traffic volumes with existing roadway and traffic control conditions.
Final Report Page 45 December 31, 2009
Segment From To
Speed
(mph)
Existing 2009 2014 2030
Traffic
Volume BLOS PLOS
Traffic
Volume BLOS PLOS
Traffic
Volume BLOS PLOS
Mission Rd Valencia Rd San Xavier Rd 45 4,061 D D 8,800 D E 9,500 D E
Little
Nogales Dr
San Xavier Rd
(N)
San Xavier Rd
(S) 25 3,435 C D 13,400 D E 10,300* D D
Little
Nogales Dr Wa:k Ln Campus Dr 25 733 B C NA NA NA NA NA NA
Note: NA-Roadway segment is not included in PAG model; hence, future projected volumes are not available.
*A decrease in 2030 projected volumes was observed compared to 2014 projected volumes. This could be due to regional growth in conjunction with roadway/transit
improvements planned in the vicinity this project’s study area.
The anticipated traffic growth as a result of regional growth, in conjunction with roadway/transit
improvements planned in and around the San Xavier study area, would reduce the compatibility level
of existing roadways for bicyclists and pedestrians, along with vehicular traffic, to very low
conditions. Roadway improvements should take into consideration the inclusion of sidewalks, paved
shoulders, trails, and traffic calming elements because it will make the community more walkable by
improving the bicyclist and pedestrian compatibility
Figures 18 through 23 illustrate the existing (2009), 2014, and 2030 levels of service for pedestrians
and bicyclists.
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
June 22, 2009
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
San Xavier District Boundary
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level F
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 18 Pedestrian Level of Service Existing 2009
S a n t a C r u z R iv e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
Rancho de Martinez
Desert
Diamond Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Education Center
Recreation Center
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
Wa:k Lane
19
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
June 22, 2009
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
San Xavier District Boundary
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level F
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 19 Bicycle Level of Service Existing 2009
S a n t a C r u z Rive r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
Rancho de Martinez
Desert
Diamond Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Education Center
Recreation Center
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
Wa:k Lane
19
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
June 22, 2009
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
San Xavier District Boundary
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level F
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 20 Pedestrian Level of Service 2014
S a n t a C ru z R iv e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
Rancho de Martinez
Desert
Diamond Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Education Center
Recreation Center
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
Wa:k Lane
19
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
June 22, 2009
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
San Xavier District Boundary
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level F
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 21 Bicycle Level of Service 2014
S a n t a C r uz Ri ve r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
Rancho de Martinez
Desert
Diamond Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Education Center
Recreation Center
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
Wa:k Lane
19
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
June 22, 2009
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
San Xavier District Boundary
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level F
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 22 Pedestrian Level of Service 2030
S a n t a C ru z R iv e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
Rancho de Martinez
Desert
Diamond Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Education Center
Recreation Center
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
Wa:k Lane
19
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
June 22, 2009
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
San Xavier District Boundary
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level F
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 23 Bicycle Level of Service 2030
S a n t a C r u z Riv e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
Rancho de Martinez
Desert
Diamond Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Education Center
Recreation Center
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
Wa:k Lane
19
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
Final Report Page 49 December 31, 2009
C. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
1. Public Involvement Participation Summary
ADOT provides PARA funds to non-metropolitan communities for the purpose of conducting
transportation planning studies. In partnership with the San Xavier District Planning Department,
ADOT is conducting the San Xavier District Pedestrian Access and Safety Study for the development
of a system of pathways that connects residential areas to important District facilities such as the
District Center, Recreation and Education Centers, Indian Health Services, and the San Xavier del Bac
Mission Church and School. This plan for both community members and visiting public, will balance
the need for pedestrian travel and the community’s desire for privacy.
Outreach efforts were conducted to engage members of the San Xavier District community in the
Pedestrian Access and Safety Study. Materials were produced for outreach activities such as forums,
stakeholder meetings, and public open house. Following is a description of the various avenues
utilized by the Study Team to communicate the plan process, the current status of the study, and to
encourage active participation. The Study Team includes ADOT, HDR, and Kaneen Advertising &
Public Relations. Copies of outreach materials discussed below are shown in Appendix F.
2. Public Outreach Opportunities
2.1 Study Questionnaire
In March 2009, a Questionnaire was created to solicit input from community members on several
potential projects being studied:
 Current safety issues on the Santa Cruz River Pedestrian Bridge
 The rebuilding of San Xavier Road to include a walking path for safe access to the Health
Center
 Safe Route to School pathways for children to safely walk from their homes to San Xavier
School
 Other pedestrian or bicycle route improvements in the District.
The Questionnaire, along with a three-quarter page description of the Pedestrian Access and Safety
Study, was published in the March 2009 Wa:k Newsletter. The write-up described the project and
encouraged the community members to participate by answering the Questionnaire, which was
attached to the monthly newsletter, and returning it to the District office in order for the Study Team to
compile and analyze the information. Also, on the back side of the Questionnaire was a map of the
District area on which participants could mark the paths they or family members use on a regular basis
to walk from their home to another destination in the community.
In order to encourage more participation from the community, reminder flyers, along with the
Questionnaire and map on the reverse, were posted on community bulletin boards located throughout
the San Xavier District. For some residents, this method of communication is the most convenient
because they can stop and read about District updates on their daily travels, since walking is the main
form of transportation in the community. Also, for some, this is the only way residents become
informed.
Final Report Page 50 December 31, 2009
2.2 Public Involvement Overview with San Xavier District Chairman
On January 29, 2009, Community Outreach staff met with Chairman Austin Nuñez to discuss different
methods of reaching San Xavier District community members. Community outreach within the
District is different from the usual methods used in the Tucson community, because of privacy issues
and lack of exact addresses to contact residents by regular mail. The Wa:k Newsletter was determined
to be the best way to disseminate information; however, not all community members read the
newsletter. Other options discussed with the Chairman were posting information on the community
bulletin boards and releasing information through group and neighborhood leaders who would in turn
inform their special interest groups about the study and encourage their members’ participation. Other
options discussed were using comment or opinion forms at the public open house, creating a fact sheet
or other visual materials for distribution, and meeting directly with leaders of the special interest or
event groups.
2.3 Meeting With Pow Wow Committee Members
With a recommendation from Chairman Nuñez, the Study Team met with the Pow Wow Event
Committee to discuss the Study Team’s participation at the 27th Annual Wa:k Pow Wow on March 14
and 15, 2009. The goal was to be represented in a booth at the Pow Wow to be available to discuss and
give out information regarding the Pedestrian and Safety Study. After talking with the Committee, it
was determined that this would probably not be a good idea since most of the people attending the
Pow Wow would be visitors and members of the District Community would be working in the food
booths or participating in other Pow Wow events. The Team briefed the Pow Wow Committee on the
Pedestrian and Access Safety Study and handed out 200 Questionnaires for committee members to
distribute to their friends, neighbors and others with instructions to return them to the District Office
for review by the Planning Department staff and Study Team.
2.3 Public Open House
On July 14, 2009, the Public Open House was held at the San Xavier District Center. A full-page
meeting notice was published in the June and July Wa:k Newsletter and the notice was posted on
community bulletin boards.
After welcoming attendees and introducing the Study Team, the San Xavier Planning Department
presented the Study’s purpose and how community members could help by giving their suggestions
and opinions about the type of pathways and locations for pathways needed in the Community. ADOT
then presented the Study overview, and HDR made a presentation of the overall San Xavier Pedestrian
Access and Safety Study. Comment cards were available for participants to fill out and return at the
meeting or return later to the District office.
Attendance was small, but those who were there were there were very interested and had good
questions for the staff. During table discussions, they were encouraged to provide additional
information about issues and concerns for the project area.
The table discussions had community leaders/residents in attendance that were enthusiastic and
knowledgeable about the pedestrian safety and access needs within the District. The project team got
to spend more than an hour with the group at the table maps, where many diagrams were written on
the map with verbal discussion as to what the drawings represented in terms of needs and areas of
concern. The design team agreed that this was highly valuable and informative opportunity to gauge
the needs and issues related to pedestrian safety and access. Meeting minutes are transcribed in
Appendix G.
Final Report Page 51 December 31, 2009
2.4 Additional Outreach
Two maps were posted on foam core board with a marker attached and easy-to-read instructions on
how to provide comments on the maps using the marker. The maps were posted in the lobby of the
San Xavier administration building from July 24 to August 4, 2009. The lobby secretary received
additional comment cards and instructions. The second map was circulated throughout several District
departments for one to two days at a time. The departments included Water Rights, Southern Arizona
Water Rights Settlement Act, Council, Housing, Human Resources, Finance, and Elders.
Comments written on the maps included:
Dead Man’s Curve (the curve in San Xavier Road between I-19 and J. Stock Road) is a safety
concern.
The curve in Mission Road (just north of Gok Kawulk Wo:g and the intersection of Little Nogales
and San Xavier Road) is a safety concern.
San Xavier Road (between Little Nogales and I-19) is a safety concern.
A recommendation was made for speed bumps or speed tables on Little Nogales Drive.
Final Report Page 52 December 31, 2009
D. PEDESTRIAN ACCESS IMPROVEMENT PLAN
1. Introduction
The San Xavier District of the Tohono O’odham Nation is home to approximately 2,000 people.
Numerous others come to the District to visit the San Xavier del Bac Mission Church. The San Xavier
District Pedestrian Access and Safety Study is being prepared to improve the walking and bicycling
environment on the San Xavier District for Community members and visitors alike.
The study is being funded by ADOT Multimodal Planning Division’s PARA program. The PARA
program provides federal funds to non-metropolitan communities for the purpose of conducting
transportation planning studies. All Native American tribes in Arizona are eligible for funding and
PARA funds may be applied to address a broad range of planning issues related to roadway and non-motorized
transportation modes. ADOT encourages communities to focus their requests for funding
on the most critical transportation planning needs identified in their communities; hence the focus here
on pedestrians and bicyclists.
The Community desires to establish a system of pathways that connects residential areas with
community centers in safety and privacy. In 2006, the San Xavier District Planning Department
prepared a Pedestrian Access Concept Plan that identified a 5.5-mile network of pathways linking
residential areas with community activity centers. The HDR Engineering, Inc. Project Team built on
this first effort to prepare a pedestrian improvement plan that prioritizes needs and links projects to
specific funding sources. This study encompasses the most densely populated region of the District,
generally that area of the District north of Campus Drive and east of Mission Road. Refer to Figure 1
Study Area.
2. Alternatives
Three alternatives were developed for the study area. The plans included combinations of paths and
trails of varying widths and routes that connected the primary destinations in the Community. All of
the alternatives included improved routes between the Mission, Mission School, Recreation and
Education centers, and the Health Center because is was determined based on public outreach and
traffic analysis that these were critical destinations.
For the plans, and to adopt a growing consensus on terminology, paths are paved routes and trails are
unpaved routes. Paved path material can be asphalt, concrete, or other similar material. Unpaved trails
can be the native surface with large rocks removed, stabilized granite, or other similar material.
2.1 Clear Zones
The ROW width of the major roads in the study area is 60 feet. Pavement widths are either 22 or
24 feet. This leaves 18 to 19 feet on either side of the road for a path or trail. Because the pavement is
flush with the surrounding grade (there are no curbs or gutters), this area beyond the pavement is also
the clear zone for vehicular traffic, based on American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials standards. Clear zones are unobstructed, relatively flat areas beyond the edge
of the traveled way that allow a driver to stop safely or regain control of a vehicle that leaves the
traveled way. Clear zones should have as few walls, barriers, piers, sign and signal supports, mature
trees, landscaping items, and power poles as possible.
Final Report Page 53 December 31, 2009
Clear zone standards for roads in the study area are shown in the table below:
Design Speed ADT 1V:6H or flatter*
40 mph or less
Under 750
750 – 1500
1500 – 6000
Over 6000
7 – 10
10 – 12
12 – 14
14 – 16
45 - 50 mph
Under 750
750 – 1500
1500 – 6000
Over 600
10 – 12
14 - 16
16 - 18
20 - 22
V = vertical, H = horizontal
Source: AASHTO Roadside Design Guide (3).
Paths and trails were kept as far from the road and clear zone as possible. In cases where the clear zone
did not encompass the entire ROW, the path or trail was moved closer to the road to allow for an area
of landscaping between path or trail and the ROW. These landscape areas can include shade trees
because they are out of the clear zone.
Segment From To
Speed
(mph)
ADT
Recommended
Clear Zone
Width (ft)
San Xavier Rd. I-19 NB On
Ramp Ventura Dr. 35 5340 12 to 14
San Xavier Rd. I-19 SB Off
Ramp
I-19 NB On
Ramp 35 5015 12 to 14
San Xavier Rd. Little Nogales Dr. I-19 SB Off
Ramp 35 4435 12 to 14
San Xavier Rd. Mission Rd. Little Nogales Dr. 25 3016 12 to 14
Mission Rd. Valencia Rd. San Xavier Rd. 45 4061 16 to 18
Little Nogales Dr. San Xavier Rd.
(north)
San Xavier Rd.
(south) 25 3435 12 to 14
Little Nogales Dr. Wa:k Ln. Campus Dr. 25 733 7 to 10
2.2 Crossings
In addition to crosswalks, the alternatives proposed a variety of crossings to allow pedestrians to cross
roads as safely as possible and to slow down vehicular traffic, especially in areas of higher pedestrian
traffic. Three types of crossings are proposed:
1. speed tables
2. high visibility crossings, and
3. HAWK crossings.
Final Report Page 54 December 31, 2009
1) Speed tables are a traffic calming device designed as a long speed hump with a flat section in the
middle. The long, flat design allows cars to pass without slowing as significantly as with speed humps
or cushions. The speed tables for this project should include marking and signing that indicate it is a
pedestrian crossing. 2) High visibility crossings have highly visible pavement markings and signs
indicating the presence of pedestrians. 3) HAWK stands for High-intensity Activated crossWalK. The
HAWK uses traditional traffic and pedestrian signal heads but in a different configuration. It includes
a sign instructing motorists to “stop on red” and a “pedestrians” overhead sign.
Speed table Crossing
Source: Pedestrian Policies and Design Guidelines, 2005,
MAG.
High-visibility Crossing
Source: Safety Effects of Marked Versus Unmarked Crosswalks
at Uncontrolled Locations, Sept. 2005, FHWA.
HAWK Crossing
Source: Michael Cynecki
3. Preferred Alternative
The technical advisory committee reviewed the alternatives and developed a preferred alternative
which was presented to the public at an open house on July 14, 2009. The preferred alternative,
Figure 24, was a combination of the three concept alternatives. The preferred alternative has: 10-foot
concrete multiuse paths, 6-foot concrete paths, 8-foot asphalt paths, 6-foot asphalt paths, and 8-foot
trails. Figure 25 illustrates the cross section of each facility relative to the roadway, indicating the clear
zones.
Comments from the public open house and returned comment cards included:
Prefer trails over paths
Prefer no paths or trails on Mission Road – feel it is unsafe
Path/trail lighting in the area around the Mission and down to the recreation center
Add amenities at locations where people are waiting for the circulator bus
Reroute the path at Dead Man’s curve to an alignment just north of San Xavier Road
Consider speed tables on Mission Road
Provide a HAWK crossing at Mission and Los Reales roads rather than a crosswalk
With the current traffic flow running through the community, I believe the changes
recommended should be done. We sometimes forget how important safety is to the
community of San Xavier.
I think adding safe walking paths around the community would be very helpful and safe.
Biking areas would also be helpful.
No vehicles of any kind driving on the road shoulder throwing dust (illegal). Designated bus
stops with canopy (for bad weather) with benches.
Speed humps are needed on community land; people drive by like it’s a freeway and create a
lot of dust.
There were comments provided beyond the scope of this pedestrian improvement project:
Traffic improvements at the intersection of Mission Road and Los Reales Road.
Final Report Page 55 December 31, 2009
Cut through traffic on McCabe Drive between Valencia Road and Mission Road.
Comments were noted on maps that were posted or circulated in the District between July 24 and
August 4, 2009 (see 6.1 Outreach Opportunities this section). They included:
Dead Man’s Curve (the curve in San Xavier Road between I-19 and J. Stock Road is a safety
concern).
Other safety concerns include the curve in Mission Road just north of Gok Kawulk Wo:g and
the intersection of Little Nogales and San Xavier Road.
San Xavier Road, between Little Nogales and I-19, has also been labeled as “unsafe.”
A recommendation was made for speed bumps or speed tables on Little Nogales Drive.
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
Inset Map Area
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
NSEE
High Visibility
High Visibility
Speed Table
Speed Table
HAWK
Current pedestrian improvements
at Mission not shown at this scale
Convert speed humps to
speed tables
d
F F
F F
F F
H H
G G
E E
D D
C C
B B
B B
A A
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
October 2, 2009
N
San Xavier del Bac
San Xavier Mission
Mission School
Source: HDR.
10-foot Concrete Multiuse Path
6-foot Concrete Path
8-foot Asphalt Path
6-foot Asphalt Path
8-foot Trail
Crossing (crosswalk(s) unless noted otherwise)
Potential Locations for Amenities
Area of Pedestrian-level Lighting
Cross Section (see Figure 3)
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 24 Preferred Alternative
San Xavier District Boundary
H H
Desert Diamond
Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Recreation Center
Education Center
Rancho de Martinez daoR reivaX naS
Wa:k Lane
Gok Kawulk Wog
Little Nogales Drive
evirD supmaC
San Xavier Road
J Stock Road
Los Reales Road
12th
Avenue
Ventura
Dr
Interstate 19
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
60’ ROW
8’ Asphalt Path 24’ Pavement (Alternate Side)
SECTION A-A: San Xavier Road - Little Nogales Drive to Los Reales Road
60’ ROW
6’ Concrete Path 24’ Pavement 6’ Concrete Path
6’ Asphalt Path
SECTION C-C: San Xavier Road - Mission Road to Gok Kawulk Wog
60’ ROW
8’ Trail 24’ Pavement 6’ Asphalt Path
8’ Trail
SECTION B-B: Mission Road - San Xavier Road to Drexel Road
60’ ROW
8’ Trail 24’ Pavement
SECTION E-E: Mission Road - Campus Drive to San Xavier Road
10’ Multiuse Path 22’ Pavement 10’ Multiuse Path 10’ Multiuse Path
SECTION D-D: San Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive - Gok Kawulk Wog to San Xavier Road
60’ ROW
22’ Pavement
SECTION F-F: Wa:k Lane and Campus Drive - Mission Road to Little Nogales Drive
Little Nogales Drive - Campus Drive to Path to Recreation Center
60’ ROW
22’ Pavement
SECTION G-G: Little Nogales Drive - Path to Recreation Center to San Xavier Road
60’ ROW
22’ Pavement
Min. 5’
SECTION H-H: J Stock Road - South of San Xavier Road
Source: HDR October 2, 2009
Right-of-way Line
Roadway Centerline
Clear Zone (no vertical
obstructions allowed)
Note: Sections are shown facing north or east,
respective of street direction
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 25 Preferred Alternative Roadway Cross Sections
Final Report Page 58 December 31, 2009
3.1 Proposed Materials and Amenities
The preferred alternative has paths and trails. The proposed materials for the path are concrete or
asphalt. Concrete is proposed in the core area of the community as it is the most durable and
maintenance-free material for a heavy-use area. Concrete and asphalt paths are accessible and
accommodate walkers, joggers, bicyclists, roller bladers, skate boarders, and wheelchairs. They appear
more rigid and geometric (i.e., man-made) in the natural environment. The other paths are proposed as
asphalt because the material is less intrusive. Trails are proposed as stabilized granite in a color to
blend with the surrounding natural landscape. Stabilized granite provides a firm material that can
accommodate bicycles, stroller, and wheelchair users to some degree. Trails will integrate the most
into the landscape but are also most subject to erosion and damage.
Concrete was recommended for the areas of highest potential use and asphalt for medium use. Trails
were recommended where most expected users would be walkers.
Concrete Asphalt Stabilized Granite
3.2 Lighting
Lighting is proposed in the core area - San Xavier Road from Mission Road east to Little Nogales
Drive and down Little Nogales to the path to the recreation center. The recommended solution is a low
level, slender bollard similar to the ones shown below. Provided in a dark brown color, the fixture will
blend better with the background during the day.
Bollard Light Bollard Light Bollard Light
3.3 Amenities
Amenities are recommended at several locations along the paths and trails. Many of the locations
correspond to places that people currently wait for the local circulator bus. A simple shade structure is
Final Report Page 59 December 31, 2009
recommended; one based on the new kiosks at the Mission or the indigenous shade structures, also
seen at the Mission. A bench should also be provided at these locations. It is recommended that the
bench be of sturdy material such as concrete (such as the one shown below). Trash receptacles could
be considered; however, they should only be installed if there will be regular trash collection. As paths
and trails are installed, bike racks should be installed at the major destinations (administration
complex, Mission school, Mission, recreation center, education center, casino, and Indian Health
Services complex) to encourage bicycle riding. Currently, there is one rack at the education center and
one at the casino. As bicycle ridership increases, the number of racks also should increase. Racks
should be sturdy (as shown below) but can also be custom designed to reflect an indigenous character.
Bike racks are sometimes available through regional funds and this option should be explored.
Kiosk at Mission Shade Structure at Mission
Bench Bike Racks – simple and custom
3.4 Design Standards
This report recommends that the San Xavier District consider developing and adopting streetscape
design standards that would apply to District projects and projects developed within the District by
others. The standards should include the installation of paths or trails along the roads as shown in the
preferred plan or as updated by staff; shade trees where clear zones allow; indigenous shrubs or
seeding; and amenities such as bus shelters, benches, and bike racks as recommended by staff.
The pedestrian improvement projects listed in this report, when designed, should not impede drainage.
Drainage impacts need to solved as part of the improvements or avoided. If paths or trails cross
drainages at low-flow, cut-off walls should be considered to reduce potential damage to the crossings.
Once these projects go into final design, the following should be revisited: Pima County Standards,
new Pima County improvements, Intergovernmental Agreements, and clear zone widths.
4. Level of Service
Pedestrian and bicycle levels of service were calculated with the proposed pedestrian access and safety
improvements along major roadways as shown in Figure 24, the preferred alternative, for years 2014
and 2030 respectively.
Final Report Page 60 December 31, 2009
The methodology employed is that used by the League of Illinois Bicyclists. The source of the
methodology was two reports prepared by Bruce Landis et al. of Sprinkle Consulting for the
Transportation Research Board in 1997 and 2001. The pedestrian and bicycle levels of service (PLOS
and BLOS, respectively) measures developed by Landis et al. are emerging national standards for
quantifying the friendliness of a roadway.
4.1 Definitions
Pedestrian Level of Service (PLOS) measures a walker’s perception of comfort and safety. PLOS is
measured at mid-block crossings, including any sidewalks and buffers, but not at intersections.
Bicycle Level of Service (BLOS) is a qualitative/quantitative measurement indicating the comfort
level of a bicyclist relative to the specific roadway and traffic conditions. Roadways with a better
(lower) score are more attractive (and usually safer) for cyclists.
Pedestrian and bicycle level of service is described in more detail in Sections A and B – Current and
Future Conditions, respectively.
4.2 Study Scenarios and Assumptions
A LOS analysis of the preferred alternative was conducted. The future year scenarios are all based
upon the proposed improvements, as shown in Figures 26 through 29, speed limits, and traffic control
along the roadway segments where the improvements occur. Following are the study scenarios:
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
Oct. 2, 2009
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
San Xavier District Boundary
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level F
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 26 Pedestrian Level of Service 2014
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
N
Rancho de Martinez
Desert
Diamond Casino
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
Wa:k Lane
19
Recreation Center
Education Center
San Xavier del Bac Mission
Mission School
San Xavier
Health Center
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
Oct. 2, 2009
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
San Xavier District Boundary
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level F
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 27 Bicycle Level of Service 2014
S an t a C r u z R i v e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
N
Rancho de Martinez
Desert
Diamond Casino
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
Wa:k Lane
19
Recreation Center
Education Center
San Xavier del Bac Mission
Mission School
San Xavier
Health Center
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
Oct. 2, 2009
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
San Xavier District Boundary
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level F
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 28 Pedestrian Level of Service 2030
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
N
Rancho de Martinez
Desert
Diamond Casino
Recreation Center
Education Center
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
Wa:k Lane
19
San Xavier del Bac Mission
Mission School
San Xavier
Health Center
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
Oct. 2, 2009
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
San Xavier District Boundary
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level F
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 29 Bicycle Level of Service 2030
S an t a C r u z R i v e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
N
San Xavier del Bac Mission
Mission School
Rancho de Martinez
Desert
Diamond Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
Wa:k Lane
19
Recreation Center
Education Center
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
Final Report Page 63 December 31, 2009
Future 2014: The BLOS and PLOS were conducted using

Copyright to this resource is held by the creating agency and is provided here for educational purposes only. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission of the creating agency. Any attempt to circumvent the access controls placed on this file is a violation of United States and international copyright laws, and is subject to criminal prosecution.

San Xavier District
Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
FINAL REPORT
De c emb e r 3 1 , 2 0 09
Final Report Page i December 31, 2009
Table of Contents
A. Current Conditions ................................................................................................................... 1
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background ................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Key Issues .................................................................................................................................. 1
2. Existing Conditions .................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Roadway Characteristics ............................................................................................................ 4
Roadway Type and Width .......................................................................................................... 4
Structures ................................................................................................................................... 4
Speed Limits ............................................................................................................................... 4
Right of Way .............................................................................................................................. 4
Clear Zone ................................................................................................................................. 5
Intersections ............................................................................................................................... 5
Functional Classification ............................................................................................................ 9
Traffic Volumes .......................................................................................................................... 9
2.2 Level of Service Analysis ......................................................................................................... 14
Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 14
2.3 Traffic and Pedestrian Count Data............................................................................................ 16
Pedestrian Traffic ..................................................................................................................... 16
2.4 Crash History ............................................................................................................................ 24
2.5 Transit and Bicycling ................................................................................................................ 24
Transit ...................................................................................................................................... 24
Bicycling .................................................................................................................................. 25
Trails ........................................................................................................................................ 25
2.6 Demographics ........................................................................................................................... 27
2.7 Physical, Natural, and Cultural Environments .......................................................................... 28
3. Survey ...................................................................................................................................... 32
3.1 Stakeholder Survey ................................................................................................................... 32
Bicycling .................................................................................................................................. 32
Vehicular ................................................................................................................................. 32
Pedestrian ................................................................................................................................. 32
Lighting ................................................................................................................................... 33
Other ........................................................................................................................................ 33
3.2 Comment Forms ....................................................................................................................... 34
B. Future Conditions ................................................................................................................... 35
1. Demographic Projections .......................................................................................................... 35
1.1 Socioeconomics ........................................................................................................................ 35
1.2 Activity Centers ........................................................................................................................ 35
San Xavier Mission School ...................................................................................................... 35
San Xavier Coop Farm ............................................................................................................. 35
Education and Recreation Center ............................................................................................. 36
San Xavier Health Center ......................................................................................................... 36
2. Programmed and Planned Improvements ................................................................................. 36
2.1 Roadway .................................................................................................................................. 36
San Xavier and Little Nogales Intersection Study .................................................................... 36
2.2 Bicycle and Pedestrian .............................................................................................................. 36
San Xavier Elderly/Pedestrian Safety Improvements at Mission Plaza ................................... 36
Pedestrian Bridge Project ......................................................................................................... 36
3. Roadway Projections and Condition........................................................................................ 37
Final Report Page ii December 31, 2009
3.1 Current Traffic Conditions (2009) ............................................................................................ 37
3.2 Future Traffic Projections (2014 and 2030) ............................................................................. 37
3.3 Vehicular Level of Service Analysis ........................................................................................ 41
Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 41
Future Vehicular Level of Service ............................................................................................ 42
4. Pedestrian and Bicycle .............................................................................................................. 42
4.1 Level of Service ........................................................................................................................ 42
Definitions ............................................................................................................................... 43
4.2 Analysis ................................................................................................................................... 43
Study Scenarios and Assumptions ............................................................................................ 43
Analysis Findings ..................................................................................................................... 44
C. Public Involvement ................................................................................................................. 49
1. Public Involvement Participation Summary ............................................................................. 49
2. Public Outreach Opportunities ................................................................................................. 49
2.1 Study Questionnaire.................................................................................................................. 49
2.2 Public Involvement Overview with San Xavier District Chairman .......................................... 50
2.3 Meeting With Pow Wow Committee Members ....................................................................... 50
2.3 Public Open House ................................................................................................................... 50
2.4 Additional Outreach .................................................................................................................. 51
D. Pedestrian Access Improvement Plan ................................................................................... 52
1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 52
2. Alternatives ............................................................................................................................... 52
2.1 Clear Zones ............................................................................................................................... 52
2.2 Crossings ................................................................................................................................. 53
3. Preferred Alternative ................................................................................................................ 54
3.1 Proposed Materials and Amenities ........................................................................................... 58
3.2 Lighting ................................................................................................................................... 58
3.3 Amenities ................................................................................................................................. 58
3.4 Design Standards ...................................................................................................................... 59
4. Level of Service ........................................................................................................................ 59
4.1 Definitions ............................................................................................................................... 60
4.2 Study Scenarios and Assumptions ............................................................................................ 60
4.3 Analysis Findings ..................................................................................................................... 63
5. Environmental Justice ............................................................................................................... 64
6. Public Involvement ................................................................................................................... 65
6.1 Outreach Opportunities ............................................................................................................. 65
7. Phasing ..................................................................................................................................... 66
8. Cost Estimate ............................................................................................................................ 69
9. Funding .................................................................................................................................... 70
9.1 Potential Funding Sources ........................................................................................................ 71
9.2 Strategic Implementation Recommendations ........................................................................... 72
Appendix A – Traffic and Pedestrian Count Data .....................................................................................
Appendix B – Crash Analysis Memo ........................................................................................................
Appendix C – Survey Forms .....................................................................................................................
Appendix D – BLOS and PLOS Analysis Reports With No Pedestrian Improvements ...........................
Appendix E – Level of Service Formulas for Pedestrian and Bicycle .......................................................
Appendix F – Outreach Documents ...........................................................................................................
Appendix G – Transcribed Comments ......................................................................................................
Appendix H – BLOS and PLOS Analysis Reports Based on Preferred Alternative .................................
Final Report Page iii December 31, 2009
List of Figures
Figure 1. Study Area ....................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 2. Intersection Lane Configuration Locations ..................................................................... 6
Figure 3. Intersection Lane Configurations (1 of 2) ....................................................................... 7
Figure 4. Intersection Lane Configurations (2 of 2) ....................................................................... 8
Figure 5. Functional Classification ............................................................................................... 10
Figure 6. AM/PM Traffic and Average Daily Traffic Volumes ................................................... 12
Figure 7. Sunday ADT Volume and AM/PM Traffic Volumes ................................................... 13
Figure 8. Pedestrian Count Locations ........................................................................................... 16
Figure 9. San Xavier del Bac Mission Church Pedestrian Movements ........................................ 17
Figure 10. San Xavier Road Bridge at I-19 Pedestrian Movements ............................................... 19
Figure 11. Mission Road North of San Xavier Road Pedestrian Movements ................................. 20
Figure 12. Mission School Pedestrian Observations ....................................................................... 21
Figure 13. San Xavier Recreation Center Pedestrian Observations ................................................ 23
Figure 14. Transit and Bicycle Routes ............................................................................................ 26
Figure 15. Natural Features ............................................................................................................. 30
Figure 16. 2014 Traffic Volumes .................................................................................................... 39
Figure 17. 2030 Traffic Volumes .................................................................................................... 40
Figure 18. Existing PLOS ............................................................................................................... 46
Figure 19. Existing BLOS ............................................................................................................... 46
Figure 20. 2014 PLOS ..................................................................................................................... 47
Figure 21. 2014 BLOS .................................................................................................................... 47
Figure 22. 2030 PLOS ..................................................................................................................... 48
Figure 23. 2030 BLOS .................................................................................................................... 48
Figure 24. Preferred Alternative ...................................................................................................... 56
Figure 25. Preferred Alternative Roadway Cross Sections ............................................................. 57
Figure 26. 2014 PLOS ..................................................................................................................... 61
Figure 27. 2014 BLOS .................................................................................................................... 61
Figure 28. 2030 PLOS ..................................................................................................................... 62
Figure 29. 2030 BPOS .................................................................................................................... 62
Figure 30. Phasing Plan ................................................................................................................... 68
List of Tables
Table 1 Roadway Clear Zone ....................................................................................................... 5
Table 2 Roadway Functional Classification ................................................................................. 9
Table 3 Traffic Count Volumes for AM and PM Peak Hours .................................................... 11
Table 4 Traffic Volumes ............................................................................................................. 14
Table 5 LOS Criteria for Two-Lane Class II Highways ............................................................. 14
Table 6 Level of Service ............................................................................................................. 15
Final Report Page iv December 31, 2009
Table 7 Population Projections for San Xavier District, Tucson, and Pima County .................. 35
Table 8 Years 2014 and 2030 Traffic Volumes .......................................................................... 38
Table 9 LOS Criteria for Two-Lane Class II Highways ............................................................. 41
Table 10 Vehicular Level of Service ............................................................................................ 42
Table 11 Pedestrian Level of Service (PLOS) and Bicycle Level of Service (BLOS) Levels and
Scores ............................................................................................................................ 43
Table 12 PLOS and BLOS Along Study Roadway Segments ...................................................... 44
Table 13 PLOS and BLOS Along Study Roadway Segments ...................................................... 63
Final Report Page 1 December 31, 2009
A. CURRENT CONDITIONS
1. Introduction
1.1 Background
The San Xavier District of the Tohono O’odham Nation is home to approximately 2,000 people.
Numerous others come to the District to visit the San Xavier del Bac Mission Church. The San Xavier
District Pedestrian Access and Safety Study is being prepared to improve the walking and bicycling
environment on the San Xavier District for Community members and visitors alike.
The study is being funded by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Multimodal
Planning Division’s Planning Assistance for Rural Areas (PARA) program. The PARA program
provides federal funds to non-metropolitan communities for the purpose of conducting transportation
planning studies. All Native American tribes in Arizona are eligible for funding and PARA funds may
be applied to address a broad range of planning issues related to roadway and non-motorized
transportation modes. ADOT encourages communities to focus their requests for funding on the most
critical transportation planning needs identified in their communities; hence the focus here on
pedestrians and bicyclists.
The District Community members desire to establish a system of pathways that connects residential areas
with community centers in safety and privacy. In 2006, the San Xavier District Planning Department prepared
a Pedestrian Access Concept Plan that identified a 5.5-mile network of pathways linking residential areas with
community activity centers. The Project Team, led by HDR Engineering, Inc. (HDR), will build on this first
effort to prepare a pedestrian improvement plan that prioritizes needs and links projects to specific funding
sources.
Currently, HDR is also conducting a study for a new pedestrian bridge crossing of the Santa Cruz
River. The San Xavier Loop Road Pedestrian Bridge Project is Regional Transportation Authority
funded project to “provide a multi-use pedestrian crossing structure over the Santa Cruz River adjacent
to the Interstate 19 (I-19) southbound on-ramp. The pedestrian bridge will link the Community with
the portions of the San Xavier District separated by I-19.”
This study encompasses the most densely populated region of the District, generally that area of the
District north of Campus Drive and east of Mission Road. Refer to Figure 1, Study Area.
1.2 Key Issues
Walking is an important mode of transportation in the San Xavier District. The National Center for
Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommends walking as the best type of physical
activity to control blood sugar, weight, and blood pressure and prevent heart and blood flow problems.
Local health officials estimate that over half of the more than 2,000 residents suffer from diabetes.
Additionally, U.S. Census 2000 data shows that statewide 93 percent of Arizona households own at
least one automobile; in the San Xavier District only 86 percent of households own at least one
automobile. This means that walking is the primary mode of transport for 14 percent of households –
twice the state percentage.
Children, elderly, and persons with visual impairments walk more than most other people. These are
often the most vulnerable pedestrians. Narrow roadways with no sidewalks or shoulders and frequent
Final Report Page 2 December 31, 2009
driveway openings are pedestrian hazards. The narrow two-lane bridge across the Santa Cruz River
has no room for pedestrians or bicyclists.
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines are also important to consider. Planning for and
building facilities that are universally accessible makes them more likely to be used by persons with a
wide range of abilities. Ramps that benefit people in wheelchairs also benefit people pushing strollers
or workers using wheeled trolleys.
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
Map revised August 20, 2009
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
San Xavier
Mission School
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
Inset Map Area
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier District Boundary
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 1 Study Area
Desert Diamond
Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Recreation Center
Education Center
Rancho de Martinez
San Xavier Road
Wa:k Lane
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
12th
Avenue
Ventura
Dr
Interstate 19
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
I-19 Bridge over
San Xavier Road
San Xavier Road Bridge
over Santa Cruz River
Drainage Structure
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
Final Report Page 4 December 31, 2009
2. Existing Conditions
2.1 Roadway Characteristics
Limited right of way (ROW) and narrow roadway sections present challenges for a multi-modal
system. This section identifies the roadway characteristics and identifies some of the opportunities and
constraints in developing a multi-modal system for the District.
Roadway Type and Width
San Xavier Road and Mission Road are 24 feet of asphalt, consisting of two 12-foot lanes in each
direction. Little Nogales Drive and San Xavier Road to the west of Little Nogales Drive are 22 feet of
paved asphalt consisting of two 11-foot lanes in each direction. In the community, all the major
roadways have dirt shoulders. The minor roads that lead to Community member-only areas are dirt
roads. Curb and gutter or sidewalks do not currently exist within the community. Sidewalks are
currently being constructed at the Mission and there is an asphalt path that connects the recreation and
education centers. The lack of paths in the community makes it especially difficult for persons with
disabilities to get to their destinations.
Structures
There are two bridge structures within the study area. One is the I-19 Freeway bridge over San Xavier
Road and the other is San Xavier Road over the Santa Cruz River. See Figure 1 for the bridge
locations.
Speed Limits
The speed limits are as follows:
 Mission Road is 45 mph
 San Xavier Road east of Little Nogales Drive is 35 mph
 San Xavier Road between Little Nogales Drive and Mission Road is 35 mph except near the
school where it is 15mph in the school zone
 Little Nogales Drive is 25 mph
Right of Way
Research on the ROW plans within the study area indicate that ROW is not well defined and would
require significant research to adequately ascertain ROW. The information discovered during research
for this project is summarized here:
 Mission Road and San Xavier Road are maintained by Pima County and have 60-foot
rights-of-way.
 Little Nogales Drive, Campus Drive, and other community roads are under the Tohono
O’odham Nation.
 Little Nogales Drive and Campus Drive are managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and
have 60-foot rights-of-way.
 The design team for the pedestrian bridge structure over the Santa Cruz River would like to
place the structure on the south side of the existing roadway structure as there is 50 feet of
ROW from the bridge centerline to the south, and only 40 feet of ROW from the existing
centerline of the bridge to the north.
 San Xavier Road west of the bridge over the Santa Cruz River has 40 feet of ROW on each
side of the roadway centerline.
Final Report Page 5 December 31, 2009
 San Xavier Road east of the I-19 Bridge has 40 feet of ROW on each side of the existing
centerline of the road.
Clear Zone
Clear zone is defined as an unobstructed, relatively flat area beyond the edge of the traveled way that
allows a driver to stop safely or regain control of a vehicle that leaves the traveled way. Without curb
and gutter this clear zone distance will need to be maintained between the edge of travel way and the
edge of the walkway. The distances defined below are from the American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Roadside Design Guide, and are dependant on the
Average Daily Traffic (ADT) of the roadway. Although it is recommended that the pathway is located
outside the clear zone; it is not mandatory. Table 1 lists the recommended clear zone width for
selected study area roads.
Table 1 Roadway Clear Zone
Segment From To
Speed
(mph)
Recommended Clear Zone
Width (ft)
San Xavier Rd. I-19 NB On Ramp Ventura Dr. 35 12 to 14
San Xavier Rd. I-19 SB Off Ramp I-19 NB On Ramp 35 12 to 14
San Xavier Rd. Little Nogales Dr. I-19 SB Off Ramp 35 12 to 14
San Xavier Rd. Mission Rd. Little Nogales Dr. 25 12 to 14
Mission Rd. Valencia Rd. San Xavier Rd. 45 16 to 18
Little Nogales Dr. San Xavier Rd.
(north)
San Xavier Rd.
(south)
25 12 to 14
Little Nogales Dr. Wa:k Ln. Campus Dr. 25 7 to 10
Source: AASHTO Roadside Design Guide, March 2006
Intersections
Figure 2 through Figure 4 show the intersection lane configuration and traffic control at the major
roadway intersections in the study area.
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
Map revised August 20, 2009
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
San Xavier
Mission School
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
Inset Map Area
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier District Boundary
Intersection Configuration
(refer to Figures 3 and 4 )
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 2 Intersection Lane Configuration Locations
9
8
6 7
4 5
3
2
1
#
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
Desert Diamond
Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Recreation Center
Education Center
Rancho de Martinez
San Xavier Road
Wa:k Lane
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
12th
Avenue
Ventura
Dr
Interstate 19
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
Final Report Page 7 December 31, 2009
Figure 3. Intersection Lane Configurations (1 of 2)
Final Report Page 8 December 31, 2009
Figure 4. Intersection Lane Configurations (2 of 2)
Final Report Page 9 December 31, 2009
Functional Classification
Based on ADOT’s roadway functional classification, the roadways in the study area are designated as
shown in the table below and in Figure 5. Functional classification is the process by which streets and
highways are grouped into classes, or systems, according to the character of service they are intended
to provide (Federal Highways Administration, 2009). The purpose of functional classification is to set
capital improvement and maintenance priorities.
Table 2 Roadway Functional Classification
Roadway From To
Functional
Classification
I-19 NA NA Urban Interstate
San Xavier Rd. Mission Rd. Los Reales Rd. Urban Minor Arterial
Mission Rd. Drexel Rd. San Xavier Rd. Urban Minor Arterial
Mission Rd. San Xavier Rd. Campus Dr. Urban Collector
12th Ave. alignment San Xavier Rd. Valencia Rd. Urban Collector
Los Reales Rd. Cardinal Ave. Mission Rd. Urban Collector
Los Reales Rd. Santa Clara Ave. Nogales Hwy. Urban Collector
Nogales Hwy. Valencia Rd. Hughes Access Rd. Urban Minor Arterial
Source: Tucson Urban Area Functionally Classified Roads Map, ADOT, 2008
Traffic Volumes
As part of this study, 24-hour daily traffic volumes were collected by Accept Consulting Services in
the study area on a weekday (Thursday March 19, 2009) and a weekend day (Sunday March 22,
2009). On March 19, the traffic counts were collected at seven locations and on March 22 the counts
were collected at four locations. From the data collected, it is observed that the weekday AM peak
hour occurs from 7:15 to 8:15 AM and the PM peak hour occurs from 4:45 to 5:45 PM. On the
weekend, the peak hours generally occurred between 10:30 to 11:30 AM and 12:15 to 1:15 PM.
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
Map revised August 20, 2009
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
San Xavier
Mission School
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
Inset Map Area
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier District Boundary
Functional Classification
Urban Interstate
Urban Minor Arterial
Urban Collector
Local Street
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 5 Functional Classification
Desert Diamond
Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Recreation Center
Education Center
Rancho de Martinez
San Xavier Road
Wa:k Lane
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
12th
Avenue
Ventura
Dr
Interstate 19
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
Final Report Page 11 December 31, 2009
Table 3 and Figure 6 and Figure 7 show the traffic count locations and the traffic volumes for both
Sunday and weekday daily AM and PM peak hours.
Table 3 Traffic Count Volumes for AM and PM Peak Hours
Location Day Direction
Traffic Volumes
Daily
AM Peak
Hour
PM Peak
Hour
San Xavier Rd. west of Ventura Dr. Thursday
EB 2686 395 177
WB 2654 150 417
Total 5340 545 594
San Xavier Rd. under I-19 Thursday
EB 3141 507 224
WB 1874 108 241
Total 5015 615 465
San Xavier Rd. east of Little
Nogales Dr. (on bridge) Thursday
EB 2109 247 174
WB 2326 167 275
Total 4435 414 449
San Xavier Rd. east of Mission Rd. Thursday
EB 1410 200 112
WB 1606 90 235
Total 3016 290 347
Mission Rd. north of San Xavier
Rd. Thursday
NB 2141 142 274
SB 1920 215 147
Total 4061 357 421
Little Nogales Dr. north of San
Xavier Rd. Thursday
NB 1831 137 215
SB 1604 165 147
Total 3435 302 362
Little Nogales Dr. south of Wa:k
Ln. Thursday
NB 311 52 21
SB 422 25 44
Total 733 77 65
San Xavier Rd. west of Ventura Dr. Sunday
EB 1442 95 121
WB 1295 105 110
Total 2737 200 231
San Xavier Rd. east of Little
Nogales Dr. (on bridge) Sunday
EB 1760 158 188
WB 1945 192 189
Total 3705 350 377
San Xavier Rd. east of Mission Rd. Sunday
EB 1610 182 174
WB 1740 166 204
Total 3350 348 378
Little Nogales Dr. north of San
Xavier Rd. Sunday
NB 1620 181 170
SB 1454 147 173
Total 3074 328 343
Source: Accept Consulting Services, 2009
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
N
Map revised August 20, 2009
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
Rancho de Martinez
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
Inset Map Area
SEE INSET MAP
San Xavier District Boundary
Average Daily Traffic Volume
AM Peak (PM Peak)
AM Predominant Direction of Flow
PM Predominant Direction of Flow
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 6 Average Daily Traffic Volume and AM/PM Traffic Volumes
XXX
615 (465)
Desert Diamond
Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Education Center
Recreation Center
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Interstate 19
Los Reales Road
298 (144)
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
12th
Avenue
Ventura
Dr
Wa:k Lane
357 (421)
290 (347)
302 (362) 77 (65)
414 (449)
545 (594)
76 (71)
4061
3016
3435
733
4435
5015
615 (465)
5340
850
70 (98)
1971
128 (298)
2191
298 (144)
809
San Xavier Road
Interstate 19
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
Map revised August 20, 2009
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
Rancho de Martinez
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
Inset Map Area
SEE INSET MAP
San Xavier District Boundary
Average Daily Traffic Volume
AM Peak (PM Peak)
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 7 Sunday ADT Volume and AM/PM Traffic Volumes
XXX
615 (465)
Desert Diamond
Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Education Center
Recreation Center
San Xavier Road
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Interstate 19
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
Wa:k Lane
12th
Avenue
Ventura
Dr
348 (378)
350 (377)
200 (231)
328 (343) 77 (65)
3350
3074 733
3705
2737
Final Report Page 14 December 31, 2009
The traffic volumes for the I-19 and San Xavier Road interchange were obtained from ADOT. The
counts were conducted in October 2006 and are reported in Table 4.
Table 4 Traffic Volumes
Location Direction
Traffic Volumes
Daily
AM Peak
Hour
PM Peak
Hour
I-19 Off Ramp NB 850 70 98
I-19 On Ramp NB 1971 128 300
I-19 Off Ramp SB 2191 298 144
I-19 On Ramp SB 809 76 71
San Xavier Rd. under I-19 EB/WB 4950 607 440
Source: ADOT, 2006
2.2 Level of Service Analysis
Methodology
A commonly used grading system called Level of Service (LOS) is used to measure and describe the
operations of a roadway network. The LOS grading system qualitatively characterizes traffic
conditions associated with varying levels of traffic. For a two-lane highway, these levels range from
LOS A, when the motorists are able to travel at their desired speed, to LOS F, which represents
heavily congested flow with traffic demand exceeding capacity. LOS A, B, and C are generally
considered to be satisfactory service levels, while the influence of congestion becomes more
noticeable at LOS D. LOS E is undesirable and is considered by most agencies to be the limit of
acceptable delay, and LOS F conditions are considered to be unacceptable to most drivers.
In the Transportation Research Board’s Highway Capacity Manual (HCM, 2000), two-lane highways
are further classified into Class I and Class II highways. In Class I highways motorists expect to travel
at relatively high speeds. In Class II highways motorists do not necessarily expect to travel at high
speeds. Class II highways function as access routes to Class I highways. Table 5 presents the LOS
criteria for two-lane Class II highways.
Table 5 LOS Criteria for Two-Lane Class II Highways
Level of Service Percent Time – Spent - Following
A < 40
B > 40 – 55
C > 55 – 70
D > 70 – 85
E > 85
Source: Transportation Research Board’s Highway Capacity Manual (HCM, 2000)
Existing LOS analysis for the study area roadways was conducted using the Highway Capacity
Software (HCS+) based on the Transportation Research Board’s HCM for a two–lane, Class II
highway. The study area roadways were treated as two-lane highways for analysis purposes.
Final Report Page 15 December 31, 2009
The following are additional assumptions used for conducting the analysis.
1. Peak Hour Factor = 0.92
2. Percent of Trucks, Bus and Recreational Vehicles = 2
3. Access Points per mile = 5
4. Class II Highway - (Per HCM Section 12, page 12-2)
5. Posted speed limits were used as measured speed
6. Traffic volumes were used as observed volumes
Table 6 below shows the LOS at various roadway segments in the study area. As shown in Table 6, all
the segments operate at LOS B or better.
Table 6 Level of Service
Segment From To
Directional Split Speed
(mph)
LOS
AM (%) PM (%) AM PM
San Xavier Rd. I-19 NB On Ramp Ventura Dr. 72 70 35 B B
San Xavier Rd. I-19 SB Off Ramp I-19 NB On
Ramp 82 52 35 B A
San Xavier Rd. Little Nogales Dr. I-19 SB Off
Ramp 60 61 35 A A
San Xavier Rd. Mission Rd. Little
Nogales Dr. 69 68 30* A A
Mission Rd. Valencia Rd. San Xavier
Rd. 60 65 45 A A
Little Nogales Dr. San Xavier Rd.
(north)
San Xavier
Rd. (south) 55 59 30* A A
Little Nogales Dr. Wa:k Ln. Campus Dr. 68 68 30* A A
Source: HDR, 2009
* Although the posted speed limit is 25 mph, 30 mph was used as measured speed for analysis
purposes as that is the lowest the software will calculate.
Final Report Page 16 December 31, 2009
2.3 Traffic and Pedestrian Count Data
Pedestrian Traffic
Pedestrian counts and walking pattern observations were made by HDR on Sunday April 5, 2009,
Monday April 6, 2009, and Sunday May 17, 2009. On Sunday April 5, 2009, counts and observations
were taken at the Mission Church and on Mission Road north of San Xavier Road. On Monday
April 6, 2009, counts and observations were taken at the Mission School, on Mission Road north of
San Xavier Road, on San Xavier Road near the Santa Cruz Bridge, and at San Xavier Recreation
Center. On Sunday May 17, 2009, additional counts were taken just west of the Santa Cruz Bridge on
San Xavier Road. The observations, summarized by location and the data, are included in the
Appendix A.
The locations where the pedestrian observations were made are listed here and are shown in Figure 8.
A. San Xavier del Bac Mission Church
B. San Xavier Road Bridge
C. Mission Road North of San Xavier Road
D. San Xavier Mission School
E. San Xavier Recreation Center
Figure 8. Pedestrian Count Locations
Final Report Page 17 December 31, 2009
A. Mission Church
The San Xavier Mission Church (Church) was constructed around 1692 and is still a working church,
attracting many parishioners and visitors, especially on Sundays. The Mission School (School),
located immediately west of the Church, is run by the Mission. There are several parking lots near the
Church and School premises, as shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9. San Xavier del Bac Mission Church Pedestrian Movements
Note: See next page for observations at 1, 2, and 3.
The Church has four services on Sunday beginning at 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 12:30 PM
with each service lasting an hour. The 9:30 AM service is unpublished and is primarily for the
community members. Pedestrian movements were observed at the Church before and after the services
on Sunday April 5, 2009 during the following periods:
 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM
 9:10 AM to 9:40 AM
 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM
 12:05 PM to 12:45 PM
 1:20 PM to 2:00 PM
Final Report Page 18 December 31, 2009
The following are observations at the Church. The numbered items relate to Figure 9:
1. Pedestrians walking between the southwest parking lot and the Church were crossing at the
intersection of San Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive. This was the heaviest pedestrian
movement noted during the observation period.
2. Pedestrians walking on San Xavier Road to and from the Church were observed walking on the
north side of San Xavier Road.
3. Pedestrians walking on Little Nogales Drive, south of the parking lot located east of San Xavier
Arts, Crafts and Café, were observed walking on the east side of Little Nogales Drive.
 Some of the pedestrians walking on San Xavier Road to and from the Church were coming from
Mission Road and were observed stopping at the Cemetery on San Xavier Road and then
continuing.
 San Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive are posted as 25 mph with speed humps on San Xavier
Road. The observed speed near the Church on San Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive is lower
than the posted speed limit. This is due to the speed humps and closely spaced stop-controlled
intersections as shown in Figure 9.
 Some of the non-Church vehicular traffic was observed using unpaved Community Lane and Gok
Kawulk Wog to avoid the delays on San Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive caused by Church
vehicular traffic and existing traffic control.
 The existing crosswalk markings near the School and Church on San Xavier Road and Little
Nogales Drive are in poor condition.
 Safety conflicts were observed between traffic entering and exiting the Church parking lot and
pedestrians walking between the parking lots and the Church.
 Some of the Church staff were observed parking in the parking lot between the School and
Church.
Final Report Page 19 December 31, 2009
B. San Xavier Road Bridge at I-19
The San Xavier Road bridge is located on the west side of the I-19 and San Xavier Road service traffic
interchange. Pedestrian and bicycle movements were observed on this bridge on Monday, April 06,
2009 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and Sunday, May 17, 2009 from 8:00AM to 10:30AM (Figure 10).
Figure 10. San Xavier Road Bridge at I-19 Pedestrian Movements
The following are observations on San Xavier Road bridge:
 There is no sidewalk on the bridge. Pedestrians were observed walking close to the vehicular
traffic on this narrow 26’-10” bridge, which is a safety concern.
 On Monday, April 6, 2009 all the pedestrians observed were walking westbound. Three of the
pedestrians observed at this location were joggers.
 On Sunday, May 17, 2009, the majority of the pedestrians were headed westbound and the
majority of cyclists were headed eastbound on San Xavier Road.
 On Sunday, May 17, 2009, three wild dogs were observed weaving in and out of traffic causing
the traffic to use caution.
Final Report Page 20 December 31, 2009
C. Mission Road North of San Xavier Road
Mission Road north of San Xavier Road is one of the high-volume arterial roadways in the San Xavier
District. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic along Mission Road, north of San Xavier Road, was observed
on Sunday April 5, 2009 (between 8:35 AM to 9:05 AM, 9:45 AM to 10:25 AM, and 11:15 AM to
12 PM) and Monday April 6, 2009 (from 8:00 AM to 10: 00 AM). The observation location on
Mission Road was approximately one mile north of San Xavier Road (Figure 11). The speed limit at
this location is 45 mph.
Figure 11. Mission Road North of San Xavier Road Pedestrian Movements
The following are observations on Mission Road north of San Xavier Road:
 The bicyclists traveling on this section of Mission Road were riding along with high-speed
vehicular traffic, which is a safety concern.
 Pedestrians were observed walking on the unpaved shoulder on the east side of Mission Road.
 Most of the pedestrians walking on Mission Road were observed heading to San Xavier Road. A
small number of them stopped at the Cemetery on San Xavier Road. Some of these same
pedestrians were observed at the Church.
 Bicyclists were observed traveling in a queue and were not impacting vehicular traffic.
 On Monday, during this observation period, a group of bicyclists moved abreast for some distance
and later split into smaller groups.
Final Report Page 21 December 31, 2009
D. Mission School
The Mission School is located immediately west of the Church, north of the San Xavier Road and
Little Nogales Drive intersection. The School currently serves grades K through 8. The School opens
around 6:30 AM and classes begin at 7:50 AM. Most of the school traffic (parents, staff, buses,
walkers) start arriving at school at 7:00 AM. School ends at 3:00 PM. During dismissal, children
riding school buses and walking to adjacent neighborhoods are allowed to go first, followed by the rest
of students who are picked up by their parents. There are two school bus trips to and from the School
in the morning and evening.
The pedestrian and bicycle movements were observed at this location on Monday April 06, 2009 from
7:00 AM to 8:00 AM and 2:45 PM to 3:30 PM (Figure 12). The following are observations at the
School:
Figure 12. Mission School Pedestrian Observations
Note: See next page for observations at 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Final Report Page 22 December 31, 2009
General Pedestrian Movements. The numbered items relate to Figure 12:
1. Pedestrians were walking to and from homes located southwest of the San Xavier Road and Little
Nogales Drive intersection.
2. Pedestrians walking between the southwest parking lot and School were crossing at the
intersection of San Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive.
3. Pedestrians walking between the southeast parking lot and School were crossing at the intersection
of San Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive.
4. Pedestrians were crossing San Xavier Road and then walking southbound in the ditch along the
west side of Little Nogales Drive.
School Commencing Period (7:00 AM to 8:00 AM):
 The major pedestrian movements are students walking from homes located southwest of the San
Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive intersection. All pedestrian movements observed during the
observation period were directly related to the school.
 The school bus arrived at school around 7:20 AM and dropped off the students in front of the
School in the pick-up/drop-off loop. After dropping off the students, these buses parked in the
parking lot on the west side of the Church (as shown in Figure 12).
 School staff parked in the parking lot on the east side of the school building. This parking lot had
an approximate capacity of 15 vehicles.
 The intersection of San Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive is a T-intersection with ALL-WAY
Stop control. Pedestrian and vehicular traffic conflicts were observed at this intersection. There is
no school guard at this location to assist pedestrians, which is a safety concern.
 Parents drop off their children in the pick-up/drop-off loop.
 During school bus or delivery truck drop-off at the School, a back up of three to four vehicles was
observed in the pick-up/drop-off loop and at the intersection of San Xavier Road and Little
Nogales Drive.
School Dismissal Period (2:45 PM to 3:30 PM):
 The major pedestrian movements are students walking to homes located southwest of the San
Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive intersection.
 Two students were observed crossing San Xavier Road and then walking southbound in the ditch
along the west side of Little Nogales Drive. Little Nogales Drive currently does not have
sidewalks.
 The school bus and parents arrived around 2:50 PM to pick up students. The school bus left about
3:05 PM. During this time there was a back up of three to four vehicles observed in the pick-up/
drop-off loop and at the intersection of San Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive.
 Transit bus service was observed during this period near the School.
 Parents used the parking lots located at the southwest and southeast corners of the San Xavier
Road and Little Nogales Drive intersection when the pick-up/drop-off loop in front of the School
was backed up. Parents then drove closer to the available space on San Xavier Road near to the
School to pick up their children.
 The San Xavier District Community van was observed picking up students from school and
transporting them to the Education Center on Wa:k Lane.
Final Report Page 23 December 31, 2009
E. San Xavier Recreation Center
The San Xavier Recreation Center is located on the north side of Wa:k Lane, adjacent to the San
Xavier Education Center. This facility serves all the residents of the San Xavier District Community,
including students. This center hosts various kinds of sports activities. The entire site is fenced. There
are six gates to this facility, four of which are mainly used by pedestrian traffic (Figure 13). They are:
1. The south gate providing access between
the Education Center and Recreation
Center.
2. The west gate providing access to the
residents living on the west.
3. The main entrance gate to the Recreation
Center.
4. The north gate providing access to the
residents living on the north.
Figure 13. San Xavier Recreation Center Pedestrian Observations
The pedestrian and bicycle movements to and from the Recreation Center were observed on Monday
April 06, 2009 from 3:45 PM to 6:00 PM. The following are observations at the Recreation Center:
 The major pedestrian movement observed was between the Education Center and Recreation
Center. A group of twelve students walked from the Education Center to the Recreation Center
and back during the first 15 minute observation period.
 The pedestrians walking between the Education Center and Recreation Center (on route 1 as
shown above) did not use the asphalt path, which follows the main entrance road south and then
turns east toward the education center.
 Very few pedestrians were observed using the main entrance gate during observation period.
 Parents were observed dropping off and picking up their children in the Recreation Center parking
lot during the observation period.
Final Report Page 24 December 31, 2009
2.4 Crash History
A crash analysis was performed for the study area and can be read in its entirety in Appendix B. Both
vehicular and pedestrian- or bicycle-related crashes were reviewed along the following segments:
 Mission Road from Drexel Road to Campus Drive
 Nogales Highway from Los Reales Road to Hermans Road (just south of Tucson International
 Airport)
 Valencia Road from Westover Avenue to Sandpiper Avenue
 Campus Drive from Mission Road to I-19
 San Xavier Road from Mission Road to Comobabi Street (just south of Los Reales Road)
There were 433 crashes listed between January 2004 and December 2008 of which seven (1.6 percent)
were fatal. Six of the fatal crashes occurred on Mission Road and one on San Xavier Road. Of the
seven fatal crashes, three involved alcohol. Of the 433 total crashes, 14 involved animals on or near
the road and all of these were noted as occurring on Mission Road. Three of the 433 crashes involved
a pedestrian (one) or bicycle (two). None of the three crashes resulted in death; however, two resulted
in serious injury, one of them on Mission Road.
2.5 Transit and Bicycling
Transit
Many members of the Community are transit dependent. The
Pima County Department of Transportation’s Rural Transit
Service operates a transit route serving the San Xavier District.
This service is slated to be consolidated with transit services in
Pima County under the Regional Transportation Authority.
This service provides residents of the San Xavier District with
access to Tucson employment centers, medical facilities, and
other activities and services. Rural Transit operates the San
Xavier Route Expanded Service with ten round trips during the
week and nine round trips on Saturday from the San Xavier area
to the Laos Transit Center. The fare for a one-way ride is
50cents.
For the federal fiscal year 2008/2009 (the federal government
fiscal year begins October 1 and ends September 30 of the
following calendar year), ridership was 39,487. Ridership for the
first half of the current fiscal year is tracking closely at 17,953
passengers. The Pima County Department of Transportation has
contracted with Trax Transportation to provide this service using
wheelchair accessible vans.
Sun Tran operates the public transit bus line, Valencia Route 29,
every thirty minutes during peak hours east and westbound
along Valencia Road at the northern edge of the Community,
with stops at the Laos Transit Center with connections to the San
Xavier Route. Figure 14 shows the existing transit routes and
Pima County Department of Transportation’s
Rural Transit Service operates the San Xavier
Route Expanded Service, Monday through
Saturday.
Final Report Page 25 December 31, 2009
bikeways improvements in the study area.
Bicycling
During the pedestrian observations, bicyclists were only observed traveling along Mission Road.
Mission Road is a popular route among recreational riders originating in Tucson. In its current state,
the roadway does not provide a suitable bicycle environment due to the narrow roadway width and
lack of roadway shoulders. The bicyclists observed during the pedestrian counts on Mission Road
were observed traveling in the roadway lane with traffic. There are no County planned improvements
along Mission Road as of the latest Tucson Metro Bike Map, prepared by Pima Association of
Governments, which was issued September 2009.
Trails
Pima County has trails along the Santa Cruz River and West Branch of the Santa Cruz that stop at the
Community border on the north and south. There is proposed greenway (path and trail) that follows
the Community’s western border from the north, near Westover Avenue, then turns west along the
pipeline easement, just north of Los Reales Road, as a trail.
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
Map revised November 16, 2009
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
San Xavier
Mission School
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
Inset Map Area
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier District Boundary
Pima County Trail
County Bike Route With Striped Shoulder
Transit Routes
San Xavier Access Route
Valencia
Midvale Park
S. 12th Avenue
AeroPark Speedway Express
AeroPark Ina Express
Bus Stop
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 14 Transit and Bicycle Routes Map
Desert Diamond
Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Recreation Center
Education Center
Rancho de Martinez
San Xavier Road
Wa:k Lane
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
12th
Avenue
Ventura
Dr
Interstate 19
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
Final Report Page 27 December 31, 2009
2.6 Demographics
Approximately 18,000 of the tribe's 28,000 members live on the main section of the Tohono O'odham
reservation. The San Xavier District 2000 Census population was 1,940. According to the Tohono
O’odham Web site, the total enrollment for the San Xavier school district as of fall 2007 is 2,027
(1,249 on Reservation and 778 off Reservation).
The population of the Tohono O’odham Nation is younger than that of the state as a whole. The
median age of the Tohono O’odham people is 26.2, compared with 34.2 for Arizona. Much of the
population is young with 38 percent of the population under 18 years of age – 40 percent greater than
the percentage of all Arizonans under the age of 18. This is important information because age helps
dictate transportation mode choice and walking rates are drastically higher for younger age groups
than older ones. The 5–15 year old age group has almost twice the percentage of walking trips as the
40–64 year old age group (Pucher and Renne, 20031).
Poverty is a major concern of the Tohono O’odham Nation with the median per capita income of
$7,000 (less than a third of the national per capita income of $22,000), the lowest of all U.S.
reservations, per the 2000 Census. The percentage of the Nation population in poverty is 46 percent,
three times that of the overall state poverty level of 14 percent. The poverty levels in the San Xavier
District are much lower at 25 percent, but still markedly above the state level.
Whether related to poverty or not, the percentage of Tohono O’odham households without a motor
vehicle available is 30 percent, more than four times that of Arizona overall. While the percentage of
households without a motor vehicle available in the San Xavier district is half this rate at 14 percent,
this is twice the percentage of households in Arizona without access to a motor vehicle.
Lack of households’ access to a vehicle may be one reason the San Xavier District has such a high
percentage of members who walk to work, 11 percent, almost four times the state rate.
The San Xavier District has one of the highest levels of owner-occupied housing in the state, with
91 percent of the occupied housing units being owner-occupied. The majority of housing is located
within a two-mile radius of the District offices and the Mission San Xavier del Bac. This proximity to
work and activity centers likely contributes to the high percentage of members who walk to work.
One reason that the need for a pedestrian and bicycle plan for the San Xavier District is great is the
Tohono O'odham people have the highest rate of Type II (adult-onset) diabetes among Native American
tribes. About 50 percent of the tribe's adults have adult-onset diabetes, compared with 4 to 6 percent of
the overall U.S. population. A study by the Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh,
published in the Oct. 1, 2003 American Journal of Epidemiology2, discovered that walking for
30 minutes a day cut diabetes risks for overweight as well as non-overweight men and women.
Additionally, providing for safer pedestrian routes serves the needs of youth and the elderly. Safe
pedestrian routes from housing to activity centers allows seniors to remain in their homes while
maintaining social interaction, health, safety, and a good quality of life. Improving the Community’s
walking routes allows more youth access to the Recreation Center where Community members can
engage in activities such as fitness and nutrition classes, after-school recreation, and team sports.
________________________
1 Pucher, J. and Renne, J. (2003). Socioeconomics of Urban Travel: Evidence from the 2001 NHTS.
Transportation Quarterly, Vol. 57, No. 3, Summer 2003 (49–77).
2 Andrea M. Kriska, Aramesh Saremi, Robert L. Hanson, Peter H. Bennett, Sayuko Kobes, Desmond E.
Williams, and William C. Knowler."Physical Activity, Obesity, and the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in a High-
Risk Population." American Journal of Epidemiology. 2003 158: 669-675.
Final Report Page 28 December 31, 2009
2.7 Physical, Natural, and Cultural Environments
Map depicting the Tohono O’odham Nation. The San Xavier district is the most easterly,
located ten miles south of Tucson. Source: http://www.tonation-nsn.gov/location.aspx
Final Report Page 29 December 31, 2009
The San Xavier District is a Tohono O’odham Nation community centered on the historic San Xavier
del Bac Mission, which was founded in 1699 by Jesuit missionary Father Eusebio Francisco Kino. It is
known as the “place where water appears,” because the Santa Cruz River surfaces from its
underground channel nearby. The historic San Xavier del Bac Mission is a famous Arizona landmark.
Visitors from around the world come to see “The White Dove of the Desert.”
The Tohono O'odham Nation is located southwest of Tucson, AZ in the Sonoran Desert. The Nation
encompasses nearly 4,600 square miles (larger than the state of Connecticut), the second-largest Indian
reservation area in the United States (after the Navajo).
The San Xavier District is located approximately ten miles south of Tucson and contains nearly
72,000 acres of Sonoran desert, including a stretch of the ephemeral Santa Cruz River (refer to
Figure 15). In addition, there are many smaller washes crossing the community that connect into the
Santa Cruz River.
This area is the traditional homeland of the Tohono O’odham (Desert People); their ancestors, the
Hohokam, lived here over 10,000 years ago. The Community is also known as Wa:k, and its people, as
the Wa:k O’odham.
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
Map revised August 20, 2009
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
San Xavier
Mission School
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
Inset Map Area
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier District Boundary
Washes
Bank Stabilization
Elevation (feet)
2450 - 2500
2501 - 2650
2651 - 2850
2851 - 3000
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 15 Natural Features
Punta de
AguaWash
Martinez Hill
(elev 2,854 ft)
Hughes Wash
Desert Diamond
Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Recreation Center
Education Center
Rancho de Martinez
San Xavier Road
Wa:k Lane
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
12th
Avenue
Ventura
Dr
Interstate 19
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
Final Report Page 31 December 31, 2009
The Sonoran Desert, surrounding the Gulf of California in
the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico,
covers some 320,000 square kilometers. It includes a part
of the state of Arizona and a small portion of California in
the United States, and western Sonora and the southern
two-thirds of the peninsula of Baja California in Mexico.
Historically, the Tohono O’odham people inhabited much
of this area, referred to as the Papagueria3.
Climatic conditions range from extremely arid, with a
rainfall of less than three inches, to the boundary between
arid and semi-arid, in the vicinity of fifteen inches of
rainfall a year. The San Xavier District on average receives
about twelve inches annually.
The Sonoran Desert is one of the most diverse environments
and includes 60 mammal species, 350 bird species, 20
amphibian species, 100+ reptile species, 30 native fish
species, and more than 2000 native plant species.
The Sonoran is the only place in the world where the
famous saguaro cactus grows in the wild. The Saguaro
produces a fruit at the top of the cactus that is harvested in
the spring by the Tohono O’odham. The fruit is harvested
when it is ripe, typically starting in late June, for the
Nawait I'i (Rain Ceremony) that occurs during the
monsoon season. The Tohono O’odham make saguaro
wine, jams, and jellies out of the fruit and have a rain feast
in honor of the coming monsoon4. Cholla, beavertail,
hedgehog, fishhook, prickly pear, night blooming cereus,
and organ pipe are other species of cactus found here.
Cactus provide food and homes to many desert mammals
and birds, with showy flowers in reds, pinks, yellows, and
whites blooming most commonly from late March through
June, depending on the species and seasonal temperatures.
Creosote bush and bur sage dominate valley floors. Indigo
bush, Mormon tea, and mesquite are other shrubs that may
be found. In addition to historically farming the arid lands
with the use of elaborate canals, the Tohono O’odham
continue to harvest the bean pods of the mesquite tree.
Wildflowers include desert sand verbena, desert sunflower,
and evening primroses.
________________________
3 Official Web Site of the Executive Branch of the Tohono O'odham Nation. “History and Culture”. Accessed
March 20, 2009 <2009 .
4 Arizona State Museum; The University of Arizona. “Saguaro Harvest Traditions of the Tohono O’odham”.
Accessed March 20, 2009
Images from the desert, top to bottom: the desert
landscape of the San Xavier District, saguaro
cactus in bloom, creosote bush.
Final Report Page 32 December 31, 2009
Ascending from the valley up bajadas, various subtrees such as palo verde, ironwood, desert willow,
and crucifixion thorn are common, as well as multi-stemmed ocotillo. Shrubs found at higher
elevations include whitethorn acacia, fairy duster, and jojoba. (Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonoran_Desert. Accessed March 3, 2009).
Wa:k Hikdañ Site
On the San Xavier District outside Tucson, the Tohono O’odham Community restored a section of the
Santa Cruz River by recreating a wetland near the river channel and planting mesquite, hackberry, and
desert willow on the higher flood terrace. During the design of the project, tribal elders were consulted
to gain insight into what the area looked like during their youth.
Completed in 2003, the Wa:k Hikdañ site on the San Xavier District was the first to use Central
Arizona Project (CAP) water in the Tucson basin for riparian restoration. In following years as much
as 50,000 acre-feet of CAP water was put to restoration use on the Reservation.
Source: http://cals.arizona.edu/azwater/awr/marapr08/feature1.html
3. Survey
3.1 Stakeholder Survey
As part of the initial data collection, interviews were conducted with people representing various
aspects of the community life; the Mission church and school, health services, gaming enterprise,
planning commissioners, cooperative farm, and the Recreation Center. All were appreciative of the
effort to improve the pedestrian and bicycle experience within the Community and offered comments
and observations to assist in that endeavor. The notes for the interviews may be found in the
Appendix C. The most salient points are summarized here.
Bicycling
 There are no bicycle facilities (racks) at the Church (sometimes bicycles are locked on the rail
leading up to church, may also be parked immediately in front of church).
 Hordes of bicyclists ride on Mission Road – often several abreast impeding traffic.
Vehicular
 Get people to obey stop signs; traffic is speeding through the reservation on the way elsewhere.
People apparently speed through as shortcut instead of going across on Valencia (especially in
the morning and late afternoon); people are cutting across Community Lane to avoid stop signs
in front of Mission.
Pedestrian
 Typically on Saturday and Sundays, people partake in “pilgrimages” from south Tucson on
foot. They are coming from both directions (Mission Road and San Xavier Road).
 There is a lack of crosswalks and no clearly marked crosswalks.
 Dedicated pedestrian routes “would be good”. People are forced to walk on road, sometimes
walking two or three abreast (in street where there are trees on shoulder, too narrow, or too
steep).
 People often walk from bus route (trailer park) to clinic, rather than ride bus long way around.
Final Report Page 33 December 31, 2009
 The master plan for the Cooperative Farm envisions a walkway from the Santa Cruz River with
tree lined path.
 Dedicated walking path traveling from the community to the Recreation Center would be
beneficial.
 Sidewalks would be nice; there are currently no dedicated pedestrian routes (to the school).
 The distance to the Recreation Center from the school is approximately 1 mile, while the
younger students are discourage from walking, some of the older students do (the bus does
make a stop there and the Education Center).
 The Santa Cruz River crossing should be on north side – crossing as planned on south side will
require pedestrians to cross San Xavier two times (this issue has been raised at the Planning
Commission on March 4, 2009).
Lighting
 Lighting in the Community is inadequate.
 Lighting along pedestrian routes would be helpful.
 Lighting is an issue throughout the Community. This was an issue in Sells where they recently
completed a 10 year lighting plan. In Sells they were experiencing a large number of pedestrian
accidents (people crossing State Route 86). The Indian Health Center and Tohono O’odham
addressed the problem with lighting and there have been no pedestrian accidents since.
 Darkness is part of what makes the community unique.
Other
 There are existing signs asking visitors to “stay on paved roads”, discouraging them from
walking into living area.
 There are issues with wash crossings during rain events (especially standing water at
San Xavier Road) .
 Community dogs create problems, strays can be found roaming around.
 Road work needed on San Xavier adjacent to the Cooperative Farm - low spot ponds (100’)
takes long time to evaporate.
 Headquarters of the Cooperative Farm is fenced - actually moved fence back ten feet to allow
room for pedestrians to pass without being forced into road - doesn’t help bicyclists.
 Speed bumps in front of Recreation Center have been effective in mitigating traffic impacts.
 There are several projects underway now (notably the sidewalks at the Mission and drainage on
the south side of the street) that will disrupt and potentially impact the pattern of school drop-offs/
pick-ups.
Final Report Page 34 December 31, 2009
3.2 Comment Forms
This is a summary of the questionnaire that was distributed to Community members and made
available at various locations. In addition, Community members that approached the team member
conducting the pedestrian counts (April 5 and 6) and expressed an interest in the study were asked to
complete a questionnaire. A total of eight questionnaires were completed.
1. Do you or anyone in your household walk to and from your home and
a. San Xavier del Bac Mission – 5
b. San Xavier Mission School – 4
c. San Xavier District Offices – 4
d. Recreation Center and/or Education Center – 6
e. Indian Health Center – 4
f. Desert Diamond Casino on Nogales Highway – 2
2. If yes, how often:
a. Daily – 3
b. Weekly – 1
c. several times a month – 4
3. Do you feel safe walking in your community?
a. Yes – 4
b. No – 4
If No, please explain unsafe locations:
- Santa Cruz Bridge
- the road is too narrow, we have to walk on the side (dirt)
- along Mission Road
- vehicles drive too fast
- no walkways or pathways
4. Does anyone in your household ride a bicycle within the community?
a. Yes – 4
b. No – 4
Other Comments:
- I think there should be a walking path on the side of the pavement road
- Widen road and add bike lanes and sidewalks for pedestrians and bicyclists
- (make it) safe for everyone
- Bike trails, scenic walk areas away from roads
- Running trails and bike trails off road
Final Report Page 35 December 31, 2009
B. FUTURE CONDITIONS
1. Demographic Projections
1.1 Socioeconomics
The Pima Association of Governments (PAG) is the metropolitan planning organization for Pima
County jurisdictions as well as the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and Tohono O’odham Nation. PAG has
developed population projections for Tucson and Pima County. Using these projections, and estimates
of the population of the San Xavier District of the Tohono O’odham Nation, the following projections
are provided. For the purposes of this study (study area shown in Figure 1), population growth for the
San Xavier District is projected to be comparable to the City of Tucson, with approximately
1.5 percent compounded annual growth through the 2030 planning horizon.
Table 7 Population Projections for San Xavier District, Tucson, and Pima County
Year San Xavier District Tucson Pima County
2008 2,050 543,959 1,014,023
2014 2,229 591,382 1,132,783
2020 2,455 651,553 1,283,210
2030 2,816 747,237 1,522,420
Limited information is available regarding development plans within the District. Discussions with the
technical advisory committee indicate there is a proposed commercial development, located on the
northern edge of the District at the intersection of Mission and Drexel roads. The development,
proposed for the 160 acres straddling Mission Road, would include retail and office development. The
consultant for the development has not resubmitted site plans to the Community for review as of the
date of this report. Therefore, no detailed information is available to incorporate into this Plan.
1.2 Activity Centers
Activity centers that could potentially generate pedestrian activity and bicycle trips were identified. In
addition, pedestrian observations and counts were done at several locations (refer to Section A Current
Conditions). Observations revealed that the pedestrian and bicycle activity was greatest on Sundays at
the San Xavier del Bac Mission Church, coinciding with the religious services.
The following summarizes the anticipated changes, if any, at several of these locations.
San Xavier Mission School
The current enrollment of the San Xavier Mission School is approximately 150 students. The school is
anticipating that their enrollment will not exceed 200 students in the future.
San Xavier Coop Farm
The San Xavier Coop Farm has plans for future development that include improvements along
San Xavier Road that would result in a much improved pedestrian environment. Plans envision
planting fruit trees and a developed pathway along the northern edge of San Xavier Road.
Employment at the Coop Farm, currently under 30, is not anticipated at this time to change
significantly in the future.
Final Report Page 36 December 31, 2009
Education and Recreation Center
With increases in the Community population over the coming years, it anticipated that the Education
and Recreation Center will become busier, and that a greater number of Community members will be
accessing these sites. At this time, there are no known expansion plans for the centers.
San Xavier Health Center
The interviews with stakeholders associated with the San Xavier Health Center conducted during the
Existing Conditions portion of this study stated there is little pedestrian or bicycle traffic to the Center
at this time. Future pedestrian and bicycle system improvements may reveal there is latent demand for
these non-motorized routes.
2. Programmed and Planned Improvements
There are several projects in the area that are underway or planned. The PAG 2010-2014
Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) notes the projects below. The TIP is a federally mandated,
five-year capital improvement program for transportation projects throughout the region.
2.1 Roadway
San Xavier and Little Nogales Intersection Study
This intersection is along one of only two routes from off-reservation to the San Xavier del Bac
Mission. This intersection floods almost every year during heavy storms. In order to build other
improvements at the intersection, the flooding needs to be resolved. In January 2009, the Pima
Association of Governments approved an amendment to the 2009-2013 TIP, which included $50,000
to conduct engineering and drainage studies.
2.2 Bicycle and Pedestrian
San Xavier Elderly/Pedestrian Safety Improvements at Mission Plaza
Visitors and community members were concerned about access to the Mission, especially for elderly
and disabled individuals. To respond to these concerns, sidewalks and curb improvements are
currently underway. Sidewalks encircle and cross the plaza area, providing alternative, accessible
routes for visitors and church members to access the Mission entrance. An additional improvement is a
new gateway sign at the north end of Little Nogales Drive where it enters the plaza. These
improvements are an important component of pedestrian movement in the Mission area.
Pedestrian Bridge Project
The San Xavier Loop Road Pedestrian Bridge Project will provide a pedestrian crossing structure over
the Santa Cruz River adjacent to the I-19 southbound on-ramp bridge. This project is one component
of the District’s Master Plan to create a pedestrian pathway connecting current and future social,
historical, and recreational areas of the community. HDR prepared a Project Assessment report for this
project in April 2009.
The proposed pedestrian bridge structure is parallel to, but far enough away from, the existing
vehicular bridge to accommodate future widening or replacement of the existing vehicular bridge. The
recommendation of the Project Assessment report is to place the new pedestrian bridge structure on
the south side of the existing Santa Cruz River bridge. The typical section for the pedestrian bridge
will have a 12-foot clear walkway.
Placing the new pedestrian structure on the south side of the existing bridge reduces the potential
conflicts with existing site conditions. An important advantage to a south side alignment is the wider
Final Report Page 37 December 31, 2009
ROW will allow the structure to be placed as far as possible from the existing bridge and minimize
impacts to the existing substructure and project costs.
One conflict with the bridge being located on the south side would be the need for pedestrians to cross
the southbound I-19 on-ramp, which is located approximately 60 feet from the end of the proposed
bridge. The average daily traffic count reported during the current study was 800. The visibility is
good for pedestrians at the on-ramp to allow for a safe crossing. There is existing guardrail on both
shoulders of the on-ramp and a break in the guardrail would be designed to allow pedestrians to cross
the ramp safely.
The recommended alternative is a prefabricated steel truss bridge at a cost of $1,998,000. Funding for
this project has been identified in the Pima Association of Governments 5-Year Regional
Transportation Improvement Program. The project will be funded from the Federal Surface
Transportation Program (STP) in Fiscal Year 2012 and is currently programmed for $1,500,000.
This bridge is critical to overall safer pedestrian and bicycle movement across the Santa Cruz River. It
will provide much needed access between the community facilities on the west side of the river and
the east side.
3. Roadway Projections and Condition
Current traffic counts were collected by the HDR team and reported in Section A Current Conditions.
Projected traffic volumes are from PAG and the projected population counts are noted in Section 1.
Demographic Projections.
3.1 Current Traffic Conditions (2009)
Current traffic volumes were discussed in Section A Current Conditions. In summary, traffic volumes
range from a high of 5,340 trips a day on San Xavier Road (east and west bound combined), from
Ventura Drive to I-19, to a low of 733 on Little Nogales Drive, south of Wa:k Lane (north and south
bound combined).
3.2 Future Traffic Projections (2014 and 2030)
Future year 2010-2014 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Projected Traffic Volumes and
2030 Regional Long Range Transportation Planning (RTP) Projected Traffic Volumes were obtained
using the regional travel demand model developed by PAG, last updated on April 16, 20095. PAG
maintains a regional travel demand model to support and promote the best possible forecasting of
future travel for the region. This model has been calibrated and validated using available traffic counts,
national average modeling parameters, census and household survey data, and other available
transportation data for the PAG region.
 Future year 2010-2014 TIP Projected Traffic Volumes are generated based on 2014 regional
population/employment projections and the roadway/transit improvements adopted in the
2010-14 TIP.
 Future year 2030 RTP Projected Traffic Volumes are generated based regional population/
employment projections and the roadway/transit improvements adopted in 2030 RTP.
The model provided daily, two-hour morning (AM Peak, 6:30-8:30 AM) and two-hour afternoon
(PM Peak, 4:00-6:00 PM) peak traffic volume estimates along study roadway segments. The following
________________________
5 Projections were not done for 2020 as there is a decrease in traffic volume from 2014-2030 due to regional
growth and planned roadway/transit improvement along the some of the reported roadway segments.
Final Report Page 38 December 31, 2009
table shows the future year traffic volumes for daily, AM, and PM peak hours. Figures 16 and 17
illustrate the traffic count locations along with the traffic volumes.
Table 8 Years 2014 and 2030 Traffic Volumes
Segment From To
Daily Volumes AM Peak PM Peak
2010-
2014 2030
2010-
2014 2030
2010-
2014 2030
San Xavier Rd I-19 NB On Ramp Ventura Dr 15,000 15,100 1,050 1,550 1,300 1,450
San Xavier Rd I-19 SB Off Ramp I-19 NB On Ramp 13,400 13,300* 1,100 1,000* 1,200 1,400
San Xavier Rd Little Nogales Dr I-19 SB Off Ramp 14,300 14,800 1,100 1,000* 1,450 1,700
San Xavier Rd Mission Rd Little Nogales Dr 10,500 9.800* 900 800* 1,250 900*
Mission Rd Valencia Rd San Xavier Rd 8,800 9,500 700 950 950 1,100
Little Nogales Dr San Xavier Rd (N) San Xavier Rd (S) 13,400 10,300* 1,100 800* 1,450 950*
Note: Volumes were obtained by equally dividing the PAG two-hour peak period volumes
 A decrease in 2030 projected volumes was observed compared to 2014 projected volumes. This could be due to regional growth in
conjunctions with roadway/transit improvements planned in vicinity of the San Xavier Study Area.
Source: Pima Association of Governments (PAG) Regional Travel Demand Model, April 2009
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
N
Rev. August 20, 2009
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
Rancho de Martinez
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
Inset Map Area
SEE INSET MAP
San Xavier District Boundary
Average Daily Traffic Volume
AM Peak (PM Peak)
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 16 2014 Future Traffic Volume
XXX
)564( 516
Desert Diamond
Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Education Center
Recreation Center
Little Nogales Drive
evirD supmaC
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Interstate 19
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
dR reivaX naS
12th
Avenue
Ventura
Dr
Wa:k Lane
700 (950)
1100 (1450)1100 (1450)
1050 (1300)
150 (650)
8800
13400
00501
13400
13400
1100 (1200)
13900
0015
)053( 007
5800
450 (450)
3800
200 (400)
4600
San Xavier Road
Interstate 19
900 (1250)
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
N
Rev. August 20, 2009
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
Rancho de Martinez
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
Inset Map Area
SEE INSET MAP
San Xavier District Boundary
Average Daily Traffic Volume
AM Peak (PM Peak)
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 17 2030 Future Traffic Volume
XXX
)564( 516
Desert Diamond
Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Education Center
Recreation Center
Little Nogales Drive
evirD supmaC
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Interstate 19
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
dR reivaX naS
12th
Avenue
Ventura
Dr
Wa:k Lane
950 (1100)
800 (950)1000 (1250)
1250 (1600)
200 (850)
9500
10300
0089
13900
13300
1000 (1400)
13800
0084
)003( 007
4800
450 (300)
4400
200 (350)
5200
San Xavier Road
Interstate 19
800 (900)
Final Report Page 41 December 31, 2009
In summary, the traffic volumes within the San Xavier District are anticipated to double over the next
20 years. Without pedestrian improvements to the roadways, the walking environment will become
increasingly inhospitable.
3.3 Vehicular Level of Service Analysis
Methodology
LOS is used to measure and describe the operations of a roadway network. The LOS grading system
qualitatively characterizes traffic conditions associated with varying levels of traffic. For a two-lane
highway, these levels range from LOS A, when the motorists are able to travel at their desired speed,
to LOS F, which represents heavily congested flow with traffic volume exceeding capacity. LOS A, B,
and C are generally considered to be satisfactory service levels, while the influence of congestion
becomes more noticeable at LOS D. LOS E is undesirable and is considered by most agencies to be
the limit of acceptable delay, and LOS F conditions are considered to be unacceptable to most drivers.
In the Transportation Research Board’s Highway Capacity Manual (HCM, 2000), two-lane highways
are further classified into Class I and Class II highways. In Class I highways, motorists expect to travel
at relatively high speeds; whereas, in Class II highways, motorists do not necessarily expect to travel
at high speeds. Class II highways function as access routes to Class I highways. The study roadways
were treated as two-lane Class II highways for analysis purposes. Table 9 presents the LOS criteria for
two-lane Class II highways.
Table 9 LOS Criteria for Two-Lane Class II Highways
Level of Service Percent Time – Spent - Following
A < 40
B > 40 – 55
C > 55 – 70
D > 70 – 85
E > 85
Source: Transportation Research Board’s Highway Capacity Manual (HCM, 2000)
Future year traffic LOS analysis for the study roadways was conducted using the Highway Capacity
Software (HCS+) based on Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) for a two-lane Class II highway.
The following are some of the additional assumptions used for conducting the analysis.
1. Peak Hour Factor = 0.92
2. Percent of Trucks, Bus and Recreational Vehicles = 2
3. Access Points per mile = 5
4. Class II Highway - (per HCM Section 12, page 12-2)
5. Posted Speed limits were used as measured speed
6. Traffic volumes were used as observed volumes
Final Report Page 42 December 31, 2009
Future Vehicular Level of Service
Roadway segment LOS analysis for future year 2014 and 2030 AM and PM peak periods was
conducted using the PAG model estimates. AM and PM peak hourly traffic volumes were derived by
splitting the two-hour model volumes equally. No further adjustment on the peak hour model volumes
was conducted. As there are no planned roadway capacity improvements along study roadway
segments, the existing roadway conditions and traffic control were used for future year analysis. The
table below shows the LOS at various segments in the study area. As shown in Table 10, the study
roadway segments would operate at an LOS D or better under years 2014 and 2030 conditions.
Table 10 Vehicular Level of Service
Segment From To
Speed
(mph)
2014 LOS 2030 LOS
AM PM AM PM
San Xavier Rd. I-19 NB On Ramp Ventura Dr 35 C D D D
San Xavier Rd I-19 SB Off Ramp I-19 NB On Ramp 35 C C C D
San Xavier Rd Little Nogales Dr I-19 SB Off Ramp 35 C D C D
San Xavier Rd Mission Rd Little Nogales Dr 30* C C B C
Mission Rd Valencia Rd San Xavier Rd 45 B C C C
Little Nogales Dr San Xavier Rd (N) San Xavier Rd (S) 30* C D B C
Note: Volumes were obtained by equally dividing the PAG two-hour Peak period volumes
* Although the posted speed limit is 25 mph, 30 mph was used as measured speed for analysis purposes due to the limitations of the
software.
Source: Pima Association of Governments (PAG) Regional Travel Demand Model, April 2009
4. Pedestrian and Bicycle
4.1 Level of Service
Pedestrian and bicycle LOS were calculated along major roadways within the study area for years
2009, 2014, and 2030. The LOS discussed on the following pages do not reflect any changes to the
pedestrian/bicycle environment. When the preferred alternative is developed, future pedestrian and
bicycle LOS will be evaluated based on the proposed improvements. The methodology employed in
this report is that used by the League of Illinois Bicyclists. The source of that methodology was two
reports prepared by Bruce Landis et al. of Sprinkle Consulting for the Transportation Research Board
in 1997 and 2001. The pedestrian and bicycle LOS (PLOS and BLOS, respectively) measures
developed by Landis et al. are emerging national standards for quantifying the friendliness of a
roadway. While other “level of service” indices relate to traffic capacity, the BLOS measures indicate
bicyclist comfort level for specific roadway geometries and traffic conditions; similarly, PLOS
measures the walking conditions.
PLOS and BLOS evaluation is useful in several ways; some are listed below:
1. Identify the most appropriate routes for inclusion in the community bicycle/pedestrian
network.
2. Determine “weak links” in the network and prioritize needed site improvements.
3. Evaluate alternate treatments for improving pedestrian and bicycle friendliness of a roadway.
4. Include PLOS and BLOS in road selection formulas to encourage implementation of
pedestrian and bicycle planning goals.
5. Tie these performance measures to goals and policies for all road projects. Policies can range
from simply reporting pedestrian/bicycle impacts up to target LOS levels.
Final Report Page 43 December 31, 2009
Definitions
Bicycle Level of Service
BLOS is a qualitative/quantitative measurement indicating the comfort level of a bicyclist relative to
the specific roadway and traffic conditions. The BLOS measures on-road bicycling conditions, not
separate trails, and midblock cross-sections rather than intersections. BLOS is also not applicable for
sidewalks and side paths - paths parallel to and separated from the roadway. Roadways with a better
(lower) score are more attractive (and usually safer) for cyclists.
BLOS is a function of set of parameters that affect the comfort and safety level of bicyclist. They are:
1. Motorized traffic, which constitute traffic volume, speed, percentage of trucks, and percentage
of occupied parking;
2. Roadway elements, which include number of lanes, pavement condition, width of outside
lane, and width of extra pavement (shoulder/parking/bike lanes).
Pedestrian Level of Service
PLOS measure the walker’s perception of comfort and safety. PLOS is measured at mid-block
crossings, including any sidewalks and buffers, but not at intersections. Table 11 describes the PLOS
levels and scores for measurement.
PLOS is a function of a set of parameters that affect the comfort and safety level of pedestrians. They
are:
1. Motorized traffic volume, speed, and percentage of occupied parking;
2. Roadway elements, which include number of lanes, width of outside lane, and width of extra
pavement (shoulder/parking/bike lanes);
3. Sidewalk, which includes width of sidewalk, buffer width, and type (e.g., tree spacing).
Table 11 illustrates the thresholds for both BLOS and PLOS levels.
Table 11 Pedestrian Level of Service (PLOS) and Bicycle Level of Service (BLOS)
Levels and Scores
Level of Service PLOS and BLOS Score Compatibility Level
A ≤ 1.5 Extremely High
B > 1.5 and ≤ 2.5 Very High
C > 2.5 and ≤ 3.5 Moderately High
D > 3.5 and ≤ 4.5 Moderately Low
E > 4.5 and ≤ 5.5 Very Low
F > 5.5 Extremely Low
4.2 Analysis
Study Scenarios and Assumptions
The analysis was conducted along the major roadway segments in the San Xavier District study area.
The scenarios are all based upon the existing roadway conditions, speed limits, and existing traffic
control along the roadway segments. The following are the study scenarios:
Existing 2009: The BLOS and PLOS was conducted using the existing traffic volumes
collected on March 19, 2009
Final Report Page 44 December 31, 2009
Future 2014: The BLOS and PLOS were conducted using the PAG model future year 2014
traffic projections
Future 2030: The BLOS and PLOS were conducted using the PAG model future year 2030
traffic projections
Following are some additional assumptions used for conducting the analysis.
 Width of outside lane, to outside stripe = 12 feet
 Percentage of heavy vehicles = 2 percent
 The Federal Highway Administrations’ (FHWA) pavement condition rating = 4 (where
Default is 4-Good, 5-Best and 1-Worst)
Analysis Findings
Existing 2009
 The study roadway segments operate at BLOS D or better.
 The study roadway segments operate at PLOS D or better.
Future 2014
 The study roadway segments will operate at BLOS D.
 The study roadway segments will operate at PLOS E6, while San Xavier Road between
Mission Road and Little Nogales Drive will operate at PLOS D.
Future 2030
 The study roadway segments will operate at BLOS D.
 San Xavier Road between Little Nogales Drive and Ventura Drive, and Mission Road between
Valencia Road and San Xavier Road will operate at PLOS E7, while,
 San Xavier Road between Mission Road and Little Nogales Drive, where the speed limit is
25 mph, will operate at PLOS D or better.
Table 12 shows the BLOS and PLOS at various segments in the study area. The BLOS and PLOS
analysis reports with input variables and the output results are included in the Appendix D.
Appendix E summarizes the formulas developed by Bruce Landis et al. for the League of Illinois
Bicyclists for calculating BLOS and PLOS.
Table 12 PLOS and BLOS Along Study Roadway Segments
Segment From To
Speed
(mph)
Existing 2009 2014 2030
Traffic
Volume BLOS PLOS
Traffic
Volume BLOS PLOS
Traffic
Volume BLOS PLOS
San Xavier Rd I-19 NB On
Ramp Ventura Dr 35 5,340 D D 15,000 D E 15,100 D E
San Xavier Rd I-19 SB Off
Ramp
I-19 NB On
Ramp 35 5,015 D D 13,400 D E 13,300* D E
San Xavier Rd Little
Nogales Dr
I-19 SB Off
Ramp 35 4,435 D D 14,300 D E 14,800 D E
San Xavier Rd Mission Rd Little
Nogales Dr 25 3,016 C D 10,500 D D 9,800* D D
________________________
6 Based on 2014 PAG projected traffic volumes with existing roadway and traffic control conditions.
7 Based on 2030 PAG projected traffic volumes with existing roadway and traffic control conditions.
Final Report Page 45 December 31, 2009
Segment From To
Speed
(mph)
Existing 2009 2014 2030
Traffic
Volume BLOS PLOS
Traffic
Volume BLOS PLOS
Traffic
Volume BLOS PLOS
Mission Rd Valencia Rd San Xavier Rd 45 4,061 D D 8,800 D E 9,500 D E
Little
Nogales Dr
San Xavier Rd
(N)
San Xavier Rd
(S) 25 3,435 C D 13,400 D E 10,300* D D
Little
Nogales Dr Wa:k Ln Campus Dr 25 733 B C NA NA NA NA NA NA
Note: NA-Roadway segment is not included in PAG model; hence, future projected volumes are not available.
*A decrease in 2030 projected volumes was observed compared to 2014 projected volumes. This could be due to regional growth in conjunction with roadway/transit
improvements planned in the vicinity this project’s study area.
The anticipated traffic growth as a result of regional growth, in conjunction with roadway/transit
improvements planned in and around the San Xavier study area, would reduce the compatibility level
of existing roadways for bicyclists and pedestrians, along with vehicular traffic, to very low
conditions. Roadway improvements should take into consideration the inclusion of sidewalks, paved
shoulders, trails, and traffic calming elements because it will make the community more walkable by
improving the bicyclist and pedestrian compatibility
Figures 18 through 23 illustrate the existing (2009), 2014, and 2030 levels of service for pedestrians
and bicyclists.
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
June 22, 2009
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
San Xavier District Boundary
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level F
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 18 Pedestrian Level of Service Existing 2009
S a n t a C r u z R iv e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
Rancho de Martinez
Desert
Diamond Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Education Center
Recreation Center
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
Wa:k Lane
19
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
June 22, 2009
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
San Xavier District Boundary
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level F
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 19 Bicycle Level of Service Existing 2009
S a n t a C r u z Rive r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
Rancho de Martinez
Desert
Diamond Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Education Center
Recreation Center
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
Wa:k Lane
19
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
June 22, 2009
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
San Xavier District Boundary
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level F
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 20 Pedestrian Level of Service 2014
S a n t a C ru z R iv e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
Rancho de Martinez
Desert
Diamond Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Education Center
Recreation Center
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
Wa:k Lane
19
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
June 22, 2009
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
San Xavier District Boundary
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level F
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 21 Bicycle Level of Service 2014
S a n t a C r uz Ri ve r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
Rancho de Martinez
Desert
Diamond Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Education Center
Recreation Center
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
Wa:k Lane
19
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
June 22, 2009
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
San Xavier District Boundary
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level F
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 22 Pedestrian Level of Service 2030
S a n t a C ru z R iv e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
Rancho de Martinez
Desert
Diamond Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Education Center
Recreation Center
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
Wa:k Lane
19
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
June 22, 2009
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
San Xavier District Boundary
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level F
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 23 Bicycle Level of Service 2030
S a n t a C r u z Riv e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
N
San Xavier del Bac
Mission
Rancho de Martinez
Desert
Diamond Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Education Center
Recreation Center
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
Wa:k Lane
19
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
Final Report Page 49 December 31, 2009
C. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
1. Public Involvement Participation Summary
ADOT provides PARA funds to non-metropolitan communities for the purpose of conducting
transportation planning studies. In partnership with the San Xavier District Planning Department,
ADOT is conducting the San Xavier District Pedestrian Access and Safety Study for the development
of a system of pathways that connects residential areas to important District facilities such as the
District Center, Recreation and Education Centers, Indian Health Services, and the San Xavier del Bac
Mission Church and School. This plan for both community members and visiting public, will balance
the need for pedestrian travel and the community’s desire for privacy.
Outreach efforts were conducted to engage members of the San Xavier District community in the
Pedestrian Access and Safety Study. Materials were produced for outreach activities such as forums,
stakeholder meetings, and public open house. Following is a description of the various avenues
utilized by the Study Team to communicate the plan process, the current status of the study, and to
encourage active participation. The Study Team includes ADOT, HDR, and Kaneen Advertising &
Public Relations. Copies of outreach materials discussed below are shown in Appendix F.
2. Public Outreach Opportunities
2.1 Study Questionnaire
In March 2009, a Questionnaire was created to solicit input from community members on several
potential projects being studied:
 Current safety issues on the Santa Cruz River Pedestrian Bridge
 The rebuilding of San Xavier Road to include a walking path for safe access to the Health
Center
 Safe Route to School pathways for children to safely walk from their homes to San Xavier
School
 Other pedestrian or bicycle route improvements in the District.
The Questionnaire, along with a three-quarter page description of the Pedestrian Access and Safety
Study, was published in the March 2009 Wa:k Newsletter. The write-up described the project and
encouraged the community members to participate by answering the Questionnaire, which was
attached to the monthly newsletter, and returning it to the District office in order for the Study Team to
compile and analyze the information. Also, on the back side of the Questionnaire was a map of the
District area on which participants could mark the paths they or family members use on a regular basis
to walk from their home to another destination in the community.
In order to encourage more participation from the community, reminder flyers, along with the
Questionnaire and map on the reverse, were posted on community bulletin boards located throughout
the San Xavier District. For some residents, this method of communication is the most convenient
because they can stop and read about District updates on their daily travels, since walking is the main
form of transportation in the community. Also, for some, this is the only way residents become
informed.
Final Report Page 50 December 31, 2009
2.2 Public Involvement Overview with San Xavier District Chairman
On January 29, 2009, Community Outreach staff met with Chairman Austin Nuñez to discuss different
methods of reaching San Xavier District community members. Community outreach within the
District is different from the usual methods used in the Tucson community, because of privacy issues
and lack of exact addresses to contact residents by regular mail. The Wa:k Newsletter was determined
to be the best way to disseminate information; however, not all community members read the
newsletter. Other options discussed with the Chairman were posting information on the community
bulletin boards and releasing information through group and neighborhood leaders who would in turn
inform their special interest groups about the study and encourage their members’ participation. Other
options discussed were using comment or opinion forms at the public open house, creating a fact sheet
or other visual materials for distribution, and meeting directly with leaders of the special interest or
event groups.
2.3 Meeting With Pow Wow Committee Members
With a recommendation from Chairman Nuñez, the Study Team met with the Pow Wow Event
Committee to discuss the Study Team’s participation at the 27th Annual Wa:k Pow Wow on March 14
and 15, 2009. The goal was to be represented in a booth at the Pow Wow to be available to discuss and
give out information regarding the Pedestrian and Safety Study. After talking with the Committee, it
was determined that this would probably not be a good idea since most of the people attending the
Pow Wow would be visitors and members of the District Community would be working in the food
booths or participating in other Pow Wow events. The Team briefed the Pow Wow Committee on the
Pedestrian and Access Safety Study and handed out 200 Questionnaires for committee members to
distribute to their friends, neighbors and others with instructions to return them to the District Office
for review by the Planning Department staff and Study Team.
2.3 Public Open House
On July 14, 2009, the Public Open House was held at the San Xavier District Center. A full-page
meeting notice was published in the June and July Wa:k Newsletter and the notice was posted on
community bulletin boards.
After welcoming attendees and introducing the Study Team, the San Xavier Planning Department
presented the Study’s purpose and how community members could help by giving their suggestions
and opinions about the type of pathways and locations for pathways needed in the Community. ADOT
then presented the Study overview, and HDR made a presentation of the overall San Xavier Pedestrian
Access and Safety Study. Comment cards were available for participants to fill out and return at the
meeting or return later to the District office.
Attendance was small, but those who were there were there were very interested and had good
questions for the staff. During table discussions, they were encouraged to provide additional
information about issues and concerns for the project area.
The table discussions had community leaders/residents in attendance that were enthusiastic and
knowledgeable about the pedestrian safety and access needs within the District. The project team got
to spend more than an hour with the group at the table maps, where many diagrams were written on
the map with verbal discussion as to what the drawings represented in terms of needs and areas of
concern. The design team agreed that this was highly valuable and informative opportunity to gauge
the needs and issues related to pedestrian safety and access. Meeting minutes are transcribed in
Appendix G.
Final Report Page 51 December 31, 2009
2.4 Additional Outreach
Two maps were posted on foam core board with a marker attached and easy-to-read instructions on
how to provide comments on the maps using the marker. The maps were posted in the lobby of the
San Xavier administration building from July 24 to August 4, 2009. The lobby secretary received
additional comment cards and instructions. The second map was circulated throughout several District
departments for one to two days at a time. The departments included Water Rights, Southern Arizona
Water Rights Settlement Act, Council, Housing, Human Resources, Finance, and Elders.
Comments written on the maps included:
Dead Man’s Curve (the curve in San Xavier Road between I-19 and J. Stock Road) is a safety
concern.
The curve in Mission Road (just north of Gok Kawulk Wo:g and the intersection of Little Nogales
and San Xavier Road) is a safety concern.
San Xavier Road (between Little Nogales and I-19) is a safety concern.
A recommendation was made for speed bumps or speed tables on Little Nogales Drive.
Final Report Page 52 December 31, 2009
D. PEDESTRIAN ACCESS IMPROVEMENT PLAN
1. Introduction
The San Xavier District of the Tohono O’odham Nation is home to approximately 2,000 people.
Numerous others come to the District to visit the San Xavier del Bac Mission Church. The San Xavier
District Pedestrian Access and Safety Study is being prepared to improve the walking and bicycling
environment on the San Xavier District for Community members and visitors alike.
The study is being funded by ADOT Multimodal Planning Division’s PARA program. The PARA
program provides federal funds to non-metropolitan communities for the purpose of conducting
transportation planning studies. All Native American tribes in Arizona are eligible for funding and
PARA funds may be applied to address a broad range of planning issues related to roadway and non-motorized
transportation modes. ADOT encourages communities to focus their requests for funding
on the most critical transportation planning needs identified in their communities; hence the focus here
on pedestrians and bicyclists.
The Community desires to establish a system of pathways that connects residential areas with
community centers in safety and privacy. In 2006, the San Xavier District Planning Department
prepared a Pedestrian Access Concept Plan that identified a 5.5-mile network of pathways linking
residential areas with community activity centers. The HDR Engineering, Inc. Project Team built on
this first effort to prepare a pedestrian improvement plan that prioritizes needs and links projects to
specific funding sources. This study encompasses the most densely populated region of the District,
generally that area of the District north of Campus Drive and east of Mission Road. Refer to Figure 1
Study Area.
2. Alternatives
Three alternatives were developed for the study area. The plans included combinations of paths and
trails of varying widths and routes that connected the primary destinations in the Community. All of
the alternatives included improved routes between the Mission, Mission School, Recreation and
Education centers, and the Health Center because is was determined based on public outreach and
traffic analysis that these were critical destinations.
For the plans, and to adopt a growing consensus on terminology, paths are paved routes and trails are
unpaved routes. Paved path material can be asphalt, concrete, or other similar material. Unpaved trails
can be the native surface with large rocks removed, stabilized granite, or other similar material.
2.1 Clear Zones
The ROW width of the major roads in the study area is 60 feet. Pavement widths are either 22 or
24 feet. This leaves 18 to 19 feet on either side of the road for a path or trail. Because the pavement is
flush with the surrounding grade (there are no curbs or gutters), this area beyond the pavement is also
the clear zone for vehicular traffic, based on American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials standards. Clear zones are unobstructed, relatively flat areas beyond the edge
of the traveled way that allow a driver to stop safely or regain control of a vehicle that leaves the
traveled way. Clear zones should have as few walls, barriers, piers, sign and signal supports, mature
trees, landscaping items, and power poles as possible.
Final Report Page 53 December 31, 2009
Clear zone standards for roads in the study area are shown in the table below:
Design Speed ADT 1V:6H or flatter*
40 mph or less
Under 750
750 – 1500
1500 – 6000
Over 6000
7 – 10
10 – 12
12 – 14
14 – 16
45 - 50 mph
Under 750
750 – 1500
1500 – 6000
Over 600
10 – 12
14 - 16
16 - 18
20 - 22
V = vertical, H = horizontal
Source: AASHTO Roadside Design Guide (3).
Paths and trails were kept as far from the road and clear zone as possible. In cases where the clear zone
did not encompass the entire ROW, the path or trail was moved closer to the road to allow for an area
of landscaping between path or trail and the ROW. These landscape areas can include shade trees
because they are out of the clear zone.
Segment From To
Speed
(mph)
ADT
Recommended
Clear Zone
Width (ft)
San Xavier Rd. I-19 NB On
Ramp Ventura Dr. 35 5340 12 to 14
San Xavier Rd. I-19 SB Off
Ramp
I-19 NB On
Ramp 35 5015 12 to 14
San Xavier Rd. Little Nogales Dr. I-19 SB Off
Ramp 35 4435 12 to 14
San Xavier Rd. Mission Rd. Little Nogales Dr. 25 3016 12 to 14
Mission Rd. Valencia Rd. San Xavier Rd. 45 4061 16 to 18
Little Nogales Dr. San Xavier Rd.
(north)
San Xavier Rd.
(south) 25 3435 12 to 14
Little Nogales Dr. Wa:k Ln. Campus Dr. 25 733 7 to 10
2.2 Crossings
In addition to crosswalks, the alternatives proposed a variety of crossings to allow pedestrians to cross
roads as safely as possible and to slow down vehicular traffic, especially in areas of higher pedestrian
traffic. Three types of crossings are proposed:
1. speed tables
2. high visibility crossings, and
3. HAWK crossings.
Final Report Page 54 December 31, 2009
1) Speed tables are a traffic calming device designed as a long speed hump with a flat section in the
middle. The long, flat design allows cars to pass without slowing as significantly as with speed humps
or cushions. The speed tables for this project should include marking and signing that indicate it is a
pedestrian crossing. 2) High visibility crossings have highly visible pavement markings and signs
indicating the presence of pedestrians. 3) HAWK stands for High-intensity Activated crossWalK. The
HAWK uses traditional traffic and pedestrian signal heads but in a different configuration. It includes
a sign instructing motorists to “stop on red” and a “pedestrians” overhead sign.
Speed table Crossing
Source: Pedestrian Policies and Design Guidelines, 2005,
MAG.
High-visibility Crossing
Source: Safety Effects of Marked Versus Unmarked Crosswalks
at Uncontrolled Locations, Sept. 2005, FHWA.
HAWK Crossing
Source: Michael Cynecki
3. Preferred Alternative
The technical advisory committee reviewed the alternatives and developed a preferred alternative
which was presented to the public at an open house on July 14, 2009. The preferred alternative,
Figure 24, was a combination of the three concept alternatives. The preferred alternative has: 10-foot
concrete multiuse paths, 6-foot concrete paths, 8-foot asphalt paths, 6-foot asphalt paths, and 8-foot
trails. Figure 25 illustrates the cross section of each facility relative to the roadway, indicating the clear
zones.
Comments from the public open house and returned comment cards included:
Prefer trails over paths
Prefer no paths or trails on Mission Road – feel it is unsafe
Path/trail lighting in the area around the Mission and down to the recreation center
Add amenities at locations where people are waiting for the circulator bus
Reroute the path at Dead Man’s curve to an alignment just north of San Xavier Road
Consider speed tables on Mission Road
Provide a HAWK crossing at Mission and Los Reales roads rather than a crosswalk
With the current traffic flow running through the community, I believe the changes
recommended should be done. We sometimes forget how important safety is to the
community of San Xavier.
I think adding safe walking paths around the community would be very helpful and safe.
Biking areas would also be helpful.
No vehicles of any kind driving on the road shoulder throwing dust (illegal). Designated bus
stops with canopy (for bad weather) with benches.
Speed humps are needed on community land; people drive by like it’s a freeway and create a
lot of dust.
There were comments provided beyond the scope of this pedestrian improvement project:
Traffic improvements at the intersection of Mission Road and Los Reales Road.
Final Report Page 55 December 31, 2009
Cut through traffic on McCabe Drive between Valencia Road and Mission Road.
Comments were noted on maps that were posted or circulated in the District between July 24 and
August 4, 2009 (see 6.1 Outreach Opportunities this section). They included:
Dead Man’s Curve (the curve in San Xavier Road between I-19 and J. Stock Road is a safety
concern).
Other safety concerns include the curve in Mission Road just north of Gok Kawulk Wo:g and
the intersection of Little Nogales and San Xavier Road.
San Xavier Road, between Little Nogales and I-19, has also been labeled as “unsafe.”
A recommendation was made for speed bumps or speed tables on Little Nogales Drive.
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
Inset Map Area
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
NSEE
High Visibility
High Visibility
Speed Table
Speed Table
HAWK
Current pedestrian improvements
at Mission not shown at this scale
Convert speed humps to
speed tables
d
F F
F F
F F
H H
G G
E E
D D
C C
B B
B B
A A
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
October 2, 2009
N
San Xavier del Bac
San Xavier Mission
Mission School
Source: HDR.
10-foot Concrete Multiuse Path
6-foot Concrete Path
8-foot Asphalt Path
6-foot Asphalt Path
8-foot Trail
Crossing (crosswalk(s) unless noted otherwise)
Potential Locations for Amenities
Area of Pedestrian-level Lighting
Cross Section (see Figure 3)
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 24 Preferred Alternative
San Xavier District Boundary
H H
Desert Diamond
Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Recreation Center
Education Center
Rancho de Martinez daoR reivaX naS
Wa:k Lane
Gok Kawulk Wog
Little Nogales Drive
evirD supmaC
San Xavier Road
J Stock Road
Los Reales Road
12th
Avenue
Ventura
Dr
Interstate 19
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
60’ ROW
8’ Asphalt Path 24’ Pavement (Alternate Side)
SECTION A-A: San Xavier Road - Little Nogales Drive to Los Reales Road
60’ ROW
6’ Concrete Path 24’ Pavement 6’ Concrete Path
6’ Asphalt Path
SECTION C-C: San Xavier Road - Mission Road to Gok Kawulk Wog
60’ ROW
8’ Trail 24’ Pavement 6’ Asphalt Path
8’ Trail
SECTION B-B: Mission Road - San Xavier Road to Drexel Road
60’ ROW
8’ Trail 24’ Pavement
SECTION E-E: Mission Road - Campus Drive to San Xavier Road
10’ Multiuse Path 22’ Pavement 10’ Multiuse Path 10’ Multiuse Path
SECTION D-D: San Xavier Road and Little Nogales Drive - Gok Kawulk Wog to San Xavier Road
60’ ROW
22’ Pavement
SECTION F-F: Wa:k Lane and Campus Drive - Mission Road to Little Nogales Drive
Little Nogales Drive - Campus Drive to Path to Recreation Center
60’ ROW
22’ Pavement
SECTION G-G: Little Nogales Drive - Path to Recreation Center to San Xavier Road
60’ ROW
22’ Pavement
Min. 5’
SECTION H-H: J Stock Road - South of San Xavier Road
Source: HDR October 2, 2009
Right-of-way Line
Roadway Centerline
Clear Zone (no vertical
obstructions allowed)
Note: Sections are shown facing north or east,
respective of street direction
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 25 Preferred Alternative Roadway Cross Sections
Final Report Page 58 December 31, 2009
3.1 Proposed Materials and Amenities
The preferred alternative has paths and trails. The proposed materials for the path are concrete or
asphalt. Concrete is proposed in the core area of the community as it is the most durable and
maintenance-free material for a heavy-use area. Concrete and asphalt paths are accessible and
accommodate walkers, joggers, bicyclists, roller bladers, skate boarders, and wheelchairs. They appear
more rigid and geometric (i.e., man-made) in the natural environment. The other paths are proposed as
asphalt because the material is less intrusive. Trails are proposed as stabilized granite in a color to
blend with the surrounding natural landscape. Stabilized granite provides a firm material that can
accommodate bicycles, stroller, and wheelchair users to some degree. Trails will integrate the most
into the landscape but are also most subject to erosion and damage.
Concrete was recommended for the areas of highest potential use and asphalt for medium use. Trails
were recommended where most expected users would be walkers.
Concrete Asphalt Stabilized Granite
3.2 Lighting
Lighting is proposed in the core area - San Xavier Road from Mission Road east to Little Nogales
Drive and down Little Nogales to the path to the recreation center. The recommended solution is a low
level, slender bollard similar to the ones shown below. Provided in a dark brown color, the fixture will
blend better with the background during the day.
Bollard Light Bollard Light Bollard Light
3.3 Amenities
Amenities are recommended at several locations along the paths and trails. Many of the locations
correspond to places that people currently wait for the local circulator bus. A simple shade structure is
Final Report Page 59 December 31, 2009
recommended; one based on the new kiosks at the Mission or the indigenous shade structures, also
seen at the Mission. A bench should also be provided at these locations. It is recommended that the
bench be of sturdy material such as concrete (such as the one shown below). Trash receptacles could
be considered; however, they should only be installed if there will be regular trash collection. As paths
and trails are installed, bike racks should be installed at the major destinations (administration
complex, Mission school, Mission, recreation center, education center, casino, and Indian Health
Services complex) to encourage bicycle riding. Currently, there is one rack at the education center and
one at the casino. As bicycle ridership increases, the number of racks also should increase. Racks
should be sturdy (as shown below) but can also be custom designed to reflect an indigenous character.
Bike racks are sometimes available through regional funds and this option should be explored.
Kiosk at Mission Shade Structure at Mission
Bench Bike Racks – simple and custom
3.4 Design Standards
This report recommends that the San Xavier District consider developing and adopting streetscape
design standards that would apply to District projects and projects developed within the District by
others. The standards should include the installation of paths or trails along the roads as shown in the
preferred plan or as updated by staff; shade trees where clear zones allow; indigenous shrubs or
seeding; and amenities such as bus shelters, benches, and bike racks as recommended by staff.
The pedestrian improvement projects listed in this report, when designed, should not impede drainage.
Drainage impacts need to solved as part of the improvements or avoided. If paths or trails cross
drainages at low-flow, cut-off walls should be considered to reduce potential damage to the crossings.
Once these projects go into final design, the following should be revisited: Pima County Standards,
new Pima County improvements, Intergovernmental Agreements, and clear zone widths.
4. Level of Service
Pedestrian and bicycle levels of service were calculated with the proposed pedestrian access and safety
improvements along major roadways as shown in Figure 24, the preferred alternative, for years 2014
and 2030 respectively.
Final Report Page 60 December 31, 2009
The methodology employed is that used by the League of Illinois Bicyclists. The source of the
methodology was two reports prepared by Bruce Landis et al. of Sprinkle Consulting for the
Transportation Research Board in 1997 and 2001. The pedestrian and bicycle levels of service (PLOS
and BLOS, respectively) measures developed by Landis et al. are emerging national standards for
quantifying the friendliness of a roadway.
4.1 Definitions
Pedestrian Level of Service (PLOS) measures a walker’s perception of comfort and safety. PLOS is
measured at mid-block crossings, including any sidewalks and buffers, but not at intersections.
Bicycle Level of Service (BLOS) is a qualitative/quantitative measurement indicating the comfort
level of a bicyclist relative to the specific roadway and traffic conditions. Roadways with a better
(lower) score are more attractive (and usually safer) for cyclists.
Pedestrian and bicycle level of service is described in more detail in Sections A and B – Current and
Future Conditions, respectively.
4.2 Study Scenarios and Assumptions
A LOS analysis of the preferred alternative was conducted. The future year scenarios are all based
upon the proposed improvements, as shown in Figures 26 through 29, speed limits, and traffic control
along the roadway segments where the improvements occur. Following are the study scenarios:
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
Oct. 2, 2009
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
San Xavier District Boundary
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level F
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 26 Pedestrian Level of Service 2014
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
N
Rancho de Martinez
Desert
Diamond Casino
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
Wa:k Lane
19
Recreation Center
Education Center
San Xavier del Bac Mission
Mission School
San Xavier
Health Center
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
Oct. 2, 2009
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
San Xavier District Boundary
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level F
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 27 Bicycle Level of Service 2014
S an t a C r u z R i v e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
N
Rancho de Martinez
Desert
Diamond Casino
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
Wa:k Lane
19
Recreation Center
Education Center
San Xavier del Bac Mission
Mission School
San Xavier
Health Center
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
Oct. 2, 2009
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
San Xavier District Boundary
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level F
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 28 Pedestrian Level of Service 2030
S a n t a C r u z R i v e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
N
Rancho de Martinez
Desert
Diamond Casino
Recreation Center
Education Center
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
Wa:k Lane
19
San Xavier del Bac Mission
Mission School
San Xavier
Health Center
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
San Xavier Indian Res.
Main Map Area
Oct. 2, 2009
Source: Pima County (2009), HDR.
San Xavier District Boundary
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level F
San Xavier Pedestrian Access and Safety Study
Figure 29 Bicycle Level of Service 2030
S an t a C r u z R i v e r
0 .2 .35 .7
miles
N
San Xavier del Bac Mission
Mission School
Rancho de Martinez
Desert
Diamond Casino
San Xavier
Health Center
Little Nogales Drive
Campus Drive
San Xavier Road
Los Reales Road
Los Reales Road
Valencia Road
Nogales Highway
Mission Road
San Xavier Rd
Wa:k Lane
19
Recreation Center
Education Center
Drexel Road
Valencia Road
SEE INSET MAP
Mission Road
Final Report Page 63 December 31, 2009
Future 2014: The BLOS and PLOS were conducted using